South Dakota to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Iowa

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Rural isolation
• Fewer cultural events
• Less diverse dining

ProsIowa

• Milder winters
• Better job opportunities
• More urban areas
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Varied restaurant options

---

Iowa

• Higher housing costs
• Less open space
• Faster pace of life
• More competitive atmosphere
• Less rural focus

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Natural beauty
• Tranquil lifestyle
• Friendly community
• Strong agricultural base

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Iowa

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Iowa with better job opportunities
• Swap the rural isolation of South Dakota for more urban areas in Iowa
• Get ready for a vibrant cultural scene in Iowa

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher housing costs in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle for the con of less open space
• Time to bid farewell to a tranquil lifestyle and get used to a faster pace of life in Iowa
• Swap a friendly community for a more competitive atmosphere

South Dakota vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Tempeh of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Steakhouse, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger, Le Jardin, and Acheson.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Iowa

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to schools.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Iowa has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Iowa housing costs are 28% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Iowa is 9.23% more affordable than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Iowa. Iowa gets 10% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Iowa has higher 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 tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Iowa are 4 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 11 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 0% less than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in Iowa will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of 0.33% to 8.53%
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to low poverty in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is rare in South Dakota and rare in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Iowa

• South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Balanced
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority (Protestant and Catholic)
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority (Protestant and Catholic)

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Iowa

How Much Do South Dakota to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 468 miles from South Dakota to Iowa will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.