South Dakota to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Kentucky

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Rural isolation
• Limited job opportunities
• Slow-paced lifestyle

ProsKentucky

• Mild winters
• Vibrant communities
• Diverse job market
• Dynamic urban areas

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Kentucky

• Higher housing costs
• Less expansive views
• Busy urban centers
• More hustle and bustle

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Natural beauty
• Low traffic congestion
• Peaceful environment

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Kentucky

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Kentucky with vibrant communities
• Swap the limited job opportunities of South Dakota for a diverse job market in Kentucky
• Get ready for dynamic urban areas in Kentucky

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Kentucky

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher housing costs in Kentucky
• You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle for the con of less expansive views
• Time to bid farewell to low traffic congestion and get used to busy urban centers in Kentucky
• Swap a peaceful environment for more hustle and bustle

South Dakota vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Dish they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Minervas, and Parker's Bistro. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Brown Hotel, KFC, and Mammoth Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Kentucky

• The Ranch-style architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of Kentucky.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and natural light, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and proximity to parks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Kentucky is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Kentucky is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Kentucky has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Kentucky housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Kentucky is 9.98% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 8% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Kentucky has higher 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 thunderstorms in Kentucky.
• The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 25 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Kentucky

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 15% less than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in Kentucky will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to KY, you'll now have a state income tax of 5%
• The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is high in Kentucky compared to low poverty in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Kentucky

• South Dakota tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
• Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, leaning Republican
• Kentucky's religious environment can be described as a Christian mix, with Baptist predominance
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Kentucky

How Much Do South Dakota to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 1,131 miles from South Dakota to Kentucky 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.