South Dakota to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Maine

ConsSouth Dakota

• Severe winters
• Limited coastline
• Sparse forests
• Fewer seafood options

ProsMaine

• Milder coastal climate
• Beautiful shores
• Lush woods
• Seafood variety

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Maine

• Higher living costs
• Tourist-packed summers
• Dense urban areas
• Less farmland

South Dakota

• Lower population density
• Fewer tourists
• Wide open spaces
• Strong agricultural roots

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Maine

• Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to a milder coastal climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to Maine with beautiful shores
• Swap the sparse forests of South Dakota for lush woods in Maine
• Get ready for a seafood variety in Maine

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Maine

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower population density in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Maine
• You'll lose out on the pro of fewer tourists and have to settle for the con of tourist-packed summers
• Time to bid farewell to wide open spaces and get used to dense urban areas in Maine
• Swap strong agricultural roots for less farmland

South Dakota vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster and Italian Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Knoephla Soup (Vegan Version) they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blueberry Cobbler (Vegan Version) of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Black Hills Salt Cave and Spa, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Maine, don't wait too long before making your way to Maine's acclaimed eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Fore Street, and Duckfat.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Maine

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Maine.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like access to nature and historic elements.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maine is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maine is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Maine has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Maine housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased 70% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Maine is 52.60% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Maine. Maine gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Maine has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hailstorms in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and coastal storms in Maine.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Maine is 6 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 17 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Maine

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 0% less than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Maine will be 24% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to ME, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.8% to 7.15%
• The affluence in Maine is moderate compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Maine compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is very low in South Dakota and moderate in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Maine

• South Dakota tends to lean conservatively in its political climate
• Maine, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal
• Maine's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian but with a more diverse religious landscape
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian with a significant Lutheran presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Maine

How Much Do South Dakota to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 1,859 miles from South Dakota to Maine will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.