South Dakota to Indiana Moving Guide
Updated June 12, 2025

Planning a 916 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Indiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Indiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Chislic vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (ranch 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 Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Sugar Cream Pie
- Indiana housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
- Rent in Indiana is 13.36% more expensive than in South Dakota
- Moving from South Dakota to Indiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended South Dakota to Indiana movers is MVM Moving & Storage
South Dakota to Indiana Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Indiana
- Long winters
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less entertainment
- Sparse population
- Milder winters
- Diverse job market
- Vibrant cities
- More social activities
- Higher living expenses
- Less picturesque
- More crowded
- Congested roads
- Low cost of living
- Natural beauty
- Open spaces
- Minimal traffic
Pros of moving from South Dakota to Indiana
- Say goodbye to long winters and hello to milder winters
- Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to Indiana with a diverse job market
- Swap the lack of entertainment in South Dakota for vibrant cities in Indiana
- Get ready for more social activities in Indiana
Cons of moving from South Dakota to Indiana
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living expenses in Indiana
- You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle for the con of less picturesque views
- Time to bid farewell to open spaces and get used to more crowded conditions in Indiana
- Swap minimal traffic for congested roads
South Dakota vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | South Dakota | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chislic | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Bison Steak | Sugar Cream Pie |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Corn Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Soup | Seitan Wings |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from South Dakota to Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Indiana residents know they have tasty Sugar Cream Pie and Corn 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 Seitan Wings of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Carnaval Brazilian Grill, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Lizton Dairy Bar.
When comparing lifestyles, Indiana shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Indiana, compared to what you are used to in South Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Indiana.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Indiana
Comparison | South Dakota | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious landscapes, Natural beauty | Close to amenities, Family-friendly neighborhoods |
- The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Indiana.
- Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious landscapes and natural beauty, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Indiana is more walkable than South Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Indiana is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
- Indiana has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
- Indiana housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to South Dakotaβs $299,062.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased by 54% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
- Rent in Indiana is 13.36% more expensive than in South Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Indiana
Comparison | South Dakota | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Severe Storms, Tornadoes | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 60Β°F | 85Β°F / 64Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30Β°F / 10Β°F | 36Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 20-30 | 40-50 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 30-40 | 20-30 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Indiana. Indiana gets 13% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
- Indiana has higher humidity and a lower 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 severe storms, tornadoes, and floods in Indiana.
- The average summer high temperature in Indiana is the same as in South Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Indiana. Indiana receives 20 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Indiana
Comparison | South Dakota | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,728 | $66,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 94.1 | 92.95 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 3.23% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.22% | 0.87% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.40% | 7.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Mining, Tourism | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 4% less than in South Dakota
- The COLI in Indiana will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
- Bummer... By moving from SD to IN, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.23%
- The affluence in Indiana is moderate compared to moderate in South Dakota
- The poverty level is moderate in Indiana compared to low in South Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Indiana
Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Indiana
Comparison | South Dakota | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Conservative |
Local Politics | Republican Majority in State Legislature | Republican Majority in State Legislature |
Religion | Christianity Predominant, with a Notable Lutheran Presence | Christianity Predominant, with a Significant Catholic Presence |
- South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
- Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
- Indiana's religious environment can be described as Predominantly Christian, with a significant Catholic presence
- South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Predominantly Christian, with a notable Lutheran presence
Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Indiana
Comparison | South Dakota | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | South Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | Indiana University Bloomington Purdue University Ball State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Challenge Center - Sioux Falls John Harris Elementary School - Sioux Falls Discovery Elementary - Sioux Falls | Park Tudor - Indianapolis Signature School - Evansville West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School - West Lafayette |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Edison Middle School - Sioux Falls George McGovern Middle School - Sioux Falls Patrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls | West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School - West Lafayette Fall Creek Valley Middle School - Indianapolis Zionsville Middle School - Zionsville |
Top 3 High Schools | Roosevelt High School - Sioux Falls Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls Washington High School - Sioux Falls | Signature School - Evansville Carmel High School - Carmel West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School - West Lafayette |
Top 3 private high schools | O'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Christian - Sioux Falls Great Plains Lutheran - Watertown | Culver Academies - Culver Park Tudor School - Indianapolis Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School - Indianapolis |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | SF Lutheran - Sioux Falls Aberdeen Christian School - Aberdeen James Valley Christian School - Huron | Park Tudor - Indianapolis The Orchard School - Indianapolis International School of Indiana - Indianapolis |
Top 3 School Districts | Sioux Falls School District Brandon Valley School District Harrisburg School District | Carmel Clay Schools West Lafayette Community School Corporation Zionsville Community Schools |
How Much Do South Dakota to Indiana Movers Cost?
Moving 916 miles from South Dakota to Indiana will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Bulldogs Moving Co.
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,722 | 300 ft3 | $5.74 |
1 Bedroom | $2,560 | 450 ft3 | $5.69 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,229 | 750 ft3 | $5.64 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,148 | 1100 ft3 | $5.59 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,863 | 1600 ft3 | $5.54 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,881 | 1800 ft3 | $5.49 |
Top South Dakota to Indiana Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Dakota to Indiana movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

MVM Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Indiana