South Dakota to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Idaho

ConsSouth Dakota

• Bitter windchill winters
• Flat prairie scenery
• Humid summer storms
• Limited downhill skiing
• Sparse public transit
• Long drives to mountains
• Few alpine lakes
• Limited whitewater spots
• Fewer hot springs
• Lower trail variety
• Fewer national forests
• Smaller tech ecosystem
• Limited wine scene
• Limited bike infrastructure

ProsIdaho

• Milder valley winters
• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Drier summer climate
• World-class ski resorts
• Growing transit options
• Mountains close by
• Many alpine lakes
• Premier whitewater rivers
• Numerous hot springs
• Diverse trail systems
• Extensive national forests
• Growing tech employers
• Emerging wine region
• Strong biking networks

---

Idaho

• State income tax
• Higher housing costs
• More urban congestion
• Frequent wildfire smoke
• Higher sales tax
• Rapid population growth
• Crowded popular trails
• Rising rental prices
• Some seismic activity
• Tighter city parking
• Heavy summer tourism
• Longer peak commutes
• Busier metro lifestyle
• Competitive housing market

South Dakota

• No state income tax
• Lower housing costs
• Less traffic congestion
• Fewer wildfire smoke days
• Lower sales tax
• Slower growth pace
• Quieter outdoor trails
• Lower median rent
• Fewer earthquakes
• Easier city parking
• Less tourism pressure
• Shorter commutes
• Simpler small town living
• Lower property competition

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Idaho

• Say goodbye to bitter windchill winters and hello to milder valley winters
• Look forward to moving away from flat prairie scenery and moving to Idaho with dramatic mountain scenery
• Swap the humid summer storms of South Dakota for a drier summer climate in Idaho
• Get ready for world-class ski resorts in Idaho

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from no state income tax in South Dakota to live with state income tax in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower housing costs and have to settle for the con of higher housing costs
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to more urban congestion in Idaho
• Swap fewer wildfire smoke days for frequent wildfire smoke

South Dakota vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho Trout and Boise Fry Company Fries to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Minervas. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Fork, Alchemy, and Westside Drive-In.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Idaho

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to parks, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open concept living.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Idaho is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Idaho is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Idaho has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Idaho housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Idaho is 35.70% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Idaho. Idaho gets 3% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
• The average summer high temperature in Idaho is the same as South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 4% more than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in Idaho will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to ID, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.8%
• The affluence in Idaho is growing compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is improving in Idaho compared to moderate poverty in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and manageable in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Idaho

• South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as majority Protestant with a notable LDS (Mormon) community
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Protestant with a significant Catholic minority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Idaho

How Much Do South Dakota to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 999 miles from South Dakota to Idaho will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.