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South Dakota to Indiana Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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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

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Long winters
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less entertainment
  • Sparse population
ProsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Milder winters
  • Diverse job market
  • Vibrant cities
  • More social activities

Indiana iconIndiana
  • Higher living expenses
  • Less picturesque
  • More crowded
  • Congested roads
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaIndiana
Most iconic local food itemChislicPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishBison SteakSugar Cream Pie
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • St. Elmo Steak House
    • Bluebeard
    • The Lizton Dairy Bar
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 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaIndiana
Typical Architecture StyleRanchColonial, 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 landscapes, Natural beautyClose 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 Dakota’s $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

ComparisonSouth DakotaIndiana
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 DisastersSevere Storms, TornadoesSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F85Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F / 10Β°F36Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20-3040-50
Annual Snowfall (Inches)30-4020-30
  • 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaIndiana
Avg. Household Income$69,728$66,785
Cost of Living Index94.192.95
State Income Tax0%3.23%
Avg. Property Tax1.22%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6.40%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Mining, TourismManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaIndiana
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Conservative
Local PoliticsRepublican Majority in State LegislatureRepublican Majority in State Legislature
ReligionChristianity Predominant, with a Notable Lutheran PresenceChristianity 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaIndiana
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 SchoolsChallenge 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 SchoolsEdison 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 SchoolsRoosevelt 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 schoolsO'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 schoolsSF 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 DistrictsSioux 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Bulldogs Moving Co.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,722300 ft3$5.74
1 Bedroom$2,560450 ft3$5.69
2 Bedrooms$4,229750 ft3$5.64
3 Bedrooms$6,1481100 ft3$5.59
4 Bedrooms$8,8631600 ft3$5.54
5+ Bedrooms$9,8811800 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.

TOP PICK
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Indiana

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10