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South Dakota to Georgia Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

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Planning a 1,486 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Georgia? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Georgia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Peach Cobbler), real estate & housing (ranch, split foyer vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Peach Cobbler & Fried Chicken
  • Georgia housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Georgia is 52.51% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Georgia will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Georgia movers is Moving Etc

South Dakota to Georgia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Georgia

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Isolation
  • Remote locations
ProsGeorgia iconGeorgia
  • Milder climate
  • Diverse job market
  • Thriving cultural scene
  • Proximity to beaches

Georgia iconGeorgia
  • Higher living expenses
  • Dense population
  • Congested roads
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Natural beauty
  • Low traffic
  • Peaceful lifestyle

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Georgia

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Georgia with a diverse job market
  • Swap the isolation of South Dakota for a thriving cultural scene in Georgia
  • Get ready for proximity to beaches in Georgia

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Georgia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living expenses in Georgia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle for the con of a dense population
  • Time to bid farewell to low traffic and get used to congested roads in Georgia
  • Swap a peaceful lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

South Dakota vs. Georgia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaGeorgia
Most iconic local food itemChislicPeach Cobbler
Most popular meat dishBison SteakFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice StewCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Minervas
  • Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • The Varsity
  • Mary Mac's Tea Room
  • Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from South Dakota to Georgia, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Peach Cobbler of Georgia. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Georgia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Collard Greens of Georgia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Georgia, don't wait too long before making your way to Georgia's acclaimed eateries like The Varsity, Mary Mac's Tea Room, and Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room.

When comparing lifestyles, Georgia shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Georgia compared to what you are used to in South Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Georgia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Georgia

ComparisonSouth DakotaGeorgia
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Split FoyerColonial, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Natural landscapesHistorical neighborhoods, Proximity to amenities
  • The Ranch and Split Foyer architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Georgia.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and natural landscapes, Georgia real estate listings often highlight features like historical neighborhoods and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Georgia is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Georgia is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Georgia has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Georgia housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $327,174 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Georgia have increased by 64% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Georgia is 52.51% more expensive than in South Dakota.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Georgia

ComparisonSouth DakotaGeorgia
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β° / 62Β°89Β° / 71Β°
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)29Β° / 10Β°52Β° / 34Β°
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20-3045-55
Annual Snowfall (Inches)30-601-5
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to Georgia. Georgia gets 2% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Georgia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Georgia.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Georgia is 4 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Georgia. Georgia receives 25 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Georgia

ComparisonSouth DakotaGeorgia
Avg. Household Income$69,728$72,837
Cost of Living Index94.193.35
State Income Tax01% - 5.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.3%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6.4%7.4%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, RetailTrade, Transportation, Services
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessRareMore Notable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Georgia tend to earn about 4% more than those in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Georgia will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Georgia, you'll now have a state income tax of 1% - 5.75%
  • The affluence in Georgia is varied compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is higher in Georgia compared to lower poverty in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is rare in South Dakota and more notable in Georgia

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Georgia

ComparisonSouth DakotaGeorgia
Political Make-upLean RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsConservative dominance in rural areasDiverse political views with a balance of urban liberal and rural conservative communities
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant Lutheran presenceVaried, predominantly Christian, with a notable Baptist contingent
  • South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Georgia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Georgia's religious environment can be described as varied, predominantly Christian, with a notable Baptist contingent
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a significant Lutheran presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Georgia

ComparisonSouth DakotaGeorgia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center - Sioux Falls
Endeavor Elem - Harrisburg
Discovery Elem - Sioux Falls
Brandon Elementary - Atlanta
Britt David Elementary - Columbus
Brookwood Elementary - Snellville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge S. Mickelson Middle School - Brookings
Edison Middle School - Sioux Falls
Patrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls
Davidson Magnet School - Augusta
Dodgen Middle School - Marietta
River Trail Middle School - Johns Creek
Top 3 High School SchoolsRoosevelt High School - Sioux Falls
Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls
Washington High School - Sioux Falls
Northview High School - Johns Creek
Walton High School - Marietta
Lambert High School - Suwanee
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian - Sioux Falls
Great Plains Lutheran High School - Watertown
The Westminster Schools - Atlanta
Pace Academy - Atlanta
Atlanta International School - Atlanta
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Roncalli Catholic Schools - Aberdeen
Dakota Christian School - Corsica
Woodward Academy - College Park
Holy Innocents' Episcopal School - Atlanta
Paideia School - Atlanta
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District
Fulton County Schools
Cobb County School District
Gwinnett County Public Schools

How Much Do South Dakota to Georgia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,486 miles from South Dakota to Georgia will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Atlanta Home Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,045300 ft3$6.82
1 Bedroom$3,045450 ft3$6.77
2 Bedrooms$5,037750 ft3$6.72
3 Bedrooms$7,3331100 ft3$6.67
4 Bedrooms$10,5861600 ft3$6.62
5+ Bedrooms$11,8201800 ft3$6.57

Top South Dakota to Georgia Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Dakota to Georgia movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Moving Etc

Moving Etc

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Georgia

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Atlanta Home Movers featured image

Atlanta Home Movers

9.42/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10
Top South Dakota to Georgia Routes

Sioux Falls to Georgia