South Dakota to Kansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Low population density
• Limited healthcare options

ProsKansas

• Milder climate
• More urban areas
• Better medical facilities

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Kansas

• Higher housing prices
• Fewer national parks
• More flatlands

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Unique attractions
• Scenic landscapes

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Kansas

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from low population density and moving to Kansas with more urban areas
• Swap the limited healthcare options of South Dakota for better medical facilities in Kansas

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Kansas

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher housing prices in Kansas
• You'll lose out on the pro of unique attractions and have to settle for the con of fewer national parks
• Time to bid farewell to scenic landscapes and get used to more flatlands in Kansas

South Dakota vs. Kansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Kansas, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious BBQ Ribs of Kansas. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Kansas residents know they have tasty Brisket and Smoked Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Kansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Minervas, and Granite City Food and Brewery. After the boxes are unpacked in Kansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Kansas' acclaimed eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Slap's BBQ, and Q39.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Kansas

• The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Kansas.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference a garage and spacious backyard, Kansas real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open-concept kitchens.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Kansas is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Kansas is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Kansas has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Kansas housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $223,883 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kansas have increased 49% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Kansas is 7.83% more affordable than South Dakota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to Kansas. Kansas gets 1% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Kansas has similar 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 severe storms in Kansas.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kansas is 6 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Kansas are 7 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kansas. Kansas receives 8 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Kansas

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kansas tend to earn about 1% less than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Kansas will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to KS, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.1% to 5.7%
• The affluence in Kansas is moderate compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Kansas compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and low in Kansas

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Kansas

• South Dakota tends to lean reliably conservative with a strong Republican tilt in its political climate and GOP supermajorities in the Legislature. Urban areas like Sioux Falls and Rapid City are somewhat more competitive, but the state overall votes Republican.
• Kansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative-leaning overall. It is traditionally Republican but competitive in statewide races and has elected Democratic governors. It has a GOP-controlled Legislature, while suburban and urban counties near Kansas City, such as Johnson, Wyandotte, and Douglas, are more moderate and Democratic.
• Kansas' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, with a strong Evangelical Protestant presence and a notable Catholic population. There are smaller Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities around urban centers, and an increasing number of people identify as unaffiliated.
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, with notable Lutheran and Catholic communities alongside Evangelical Protestant congregations. Native American spiritual traditions are present, and a growing share of the population is religiously unaffiliated, especially in urban areas.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

How Much Do South Dakota to Kansas Movers Cost?

Moving 415 miles from South Dakota to Kansas 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.