South Dakota to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Illinois

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Rural surroundings
• Fewer amenities
• Long travel distances

ProsIllinois

• Milder climate
• More job opportunities
• Vibrant city life
• Diverse amenities
• Better public transport

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Illinois

• Higher living expenses
• Heavy traffic
• Urban sprawl
• Dense population
• Fast-paced lifestyle

South Dakota

• Lower cost of living
• Less congestion
• Natural beauty
• Close-knit communities
• Tranquil lifestyle

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Illinois

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Illinois with more job opportunities
• Swap the rural surroundings of South Dakota for vibrant city life in Illinois
• Get ready for diverse amenities in Illinois

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living expenses in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of less congestion and have to settle with the con of heavy traffic
• Time to bid farewell to natural beauty and get used to urban sprawl in Illinois
• Swap close-knit communities for a dense population

South Dakota vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Deep Dish Vegan Pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Prairie Berry Winery. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Au Cheval.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Illinois

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Tudor architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and quiet neighborhoods, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and historic character.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Illinois housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Illinois is 47.07% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Illinois. Illinois gets 10% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same as South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 16 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 10% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Illinois will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Illinois, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95%
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Illinois

• South Dakota tends to lean primarily Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse, with Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Protestant with a significant Lutheran presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Illinois

How Much Do South Dakota to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 715 miles from South Dakota to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.