SD to MD Moving Specialists

South Dakota to Maryland Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 1,450 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Maryland? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Maryland across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Blue Crab), real estate & housing (ranch, split-level vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maryland), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison steak, but get your taste buds ready for Blue Crab & Crab cake
  • Maryland housing costs are 39% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Maryland is 56.72% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Maryland will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Maryland movers is AT Movers

Top South Dakota to Maryland Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Dakota to Maryland movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
AT Movers featured image

AT Movers

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Maryland

9.66/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
AJ Moving Services LLC featured image

AJ Moving Services LLC

9.57/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.95/10
Superb

South Dakota to Maryland Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Maryland

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Long winters
  • Limited job options
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited public transport
ProsMaryland iconMaryland
  • Mild climate
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Urban conveniences
  • Robust transit system

Maryland iconMaryland
  • Higher expenses
  • Heavy traffic
  • Fast-paced environment
  • Less community feel
  • Limited green areas
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Slower pace of life
  • Close-knit communities
  • Ample open spaces

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Maryland

  • Say goodbye to long winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job options and moving to Maryland with a diverse job market
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of South Dakota for a rich cultural scene in Maryland
  • Get ready for urban conveniences in Maryland

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Maryland

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher expenses in Maryland
  • You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle with the con of heavy traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to a slower pace of life and get used to a fast-paced environment in Maryland
  • Swap close-knit communities for a less community feel

South Dakota vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaMaryland
Most iconic local food itemChislicBlue Crab
Most popular meat dishBison steakCrab cake
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosSoft Shell Crab Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupVegan Crab Cake
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Pappas Seafood Co.
  • Faidley Seafood
  • Bertha's Mussels
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 Maryland, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Blue Crab of Maryland. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Maryland residents know they have tasty Crab cake and Soft Shell Crab Sandwich 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 Vegan Crab Cake of Maryland. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Maryland, don't wait too long before making your way to Maryland's acclaimed eateries like Pappas Seafood Co., Faidley Seafood, and Bertha's Mussels.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Maryland

ComparisonSouth DakotaMaryland
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Split-levelColonial, Cape Cod
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 yards, quiet neighborhoodsProximity to amenities, waterfront properties
  • The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maryland.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Maryland real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and waterfront properties.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maryland is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maryland is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Maryland has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Maryland housing costs are 39% more expensive than they are in South Dakota with a median home price of $414,972 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maryland have increased by 33% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Maryland is 56.72% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMaryland
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 DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F / 10Β°F42Β°F / 29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)25"40"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)39"20"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Maryland. Maryland gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Maryland has higher humidity and a higher 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 hurricanes and flooding in Maryland.
  • The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 2 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in Maryland are 19 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maryland. Maryland receives 15 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Maryland

ComparisonSouth DakotaMaryland
Avg. Household Income$69,728$94,991
Cost of Living Index94.1124.95
State Income Tax04.75 - 5.75
Avg. Property Tax1.321.10
Avg. Sales Tax4.506.00
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailTechnology, Health Care, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 36% more than in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Maryland will be 33% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Maryland, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.75% to 5.75%
  • The affluence in Maryland is high compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Maryland compared to low poverty in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in South Dakota and noticeable in Maryland

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Maryland

ComparisonSouth DakotaMaryland
Political Make-upConservative, Republican leaningLiberal, Democratic leaning
Local PoliticsFocus on agriculture, rural community interestsEmphasis on urban issues, diversity programs
ReligionChristianity dominates, with a significant Lutheran and Methodist presenceDiverse religious scene, high Catholic and Jewish populations
  • South Dakota tends to lean conservative and Republican in its political climate
  • Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as liberal and Democratic
  • Maryland's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious scene with high Catholic and Jewish populations
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominating, with a significant Lutheran and Methodist presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Maryland

ComparisonSouth DakotaMaryland
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Maryland
Towson University
Johns Hopkins University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Fulton Elementary (Fulton)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Wood Acres Elementary (Bethesda)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda)
Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac)
Wilde Lake Middle School (Columbia)
Top 3 High SchoolsRoosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda)
Winston Churchill High School (Potomac)
Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville)
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown)
Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
McDonogh School (Owings Mills)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSpearfish Classical Christian School (Spearfish)
Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Landon School (Bethesda)
Severn School (Severna Park)
Friends School of Baltimore (Baltimore)
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Brookings School District
Yankton School District
Montgomery County Public Schools
Howard County Public School System
Frederick County Public Schools

How Much Do South Dakota to Maryland Movers Cost?

Moving 1,450 miles from South Dakota to Maryland will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: AT Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,025300 ft3$6.75
1 Bedroom$3,014450 ft3$6.70
2 Bedrooms$4,986750 ft3$6.65
3 Bedrooms$7,2581100 ft3$6.60
4 Bedrooms$10,4771600 ft3$6.55
5+ Bedrooms$11,6971800 ft3$6.50
Top South Dakota to Maryland Routes

Sioux Falls to Maryland