South Dakota to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Michigan

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Rural lifestyle
• Less cultural diversity
• Scarce entertainment options

ProsMichigan

• Milder climate
• Robust job market
• Urban opportunities
• Cultural diversity
• Vibrant nightlife

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Michigan

• Higher expenses
• Urban anonymity
• Less open space
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Congested city roads

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Close-knit communities
• Scenic landscapes
• Peaceful lifestyle
• Less traffic

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Michigan

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Michigan with a robust job market
• Swap the rural lifestyle of South Dakota for urban opportunities in Michigan
• Get ready for cultural diversity in Michigan

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher expenses in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of urban anonymity
• Time to bid farewell to scenic landscapes and get used to less open space in Michigan
• Swap a peaceful lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

South Dakota vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Buffalo steak and sumptuous Indian tacos, Michigan residents know they have tasty Cherry BBQ chicken and Street pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan pasties of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Carnaval Brazilian Grill. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Bell's Eccentric Café.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Michigan

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and garage space, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and energy efficiency.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Michigan has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Michigan housing costs are 20% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Michigan is 21.85% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Michigan. Michigan gets 19% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and severe storms in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 4 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Michigan are 8 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Michigan. Michigan receives 9 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 4% less than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Michigan will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to MI, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.25
• The affluence in Michigan is mixed compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Michigan

• South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as diverse with a Christian majority and a growing number of other faiths
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Michigan

How Much Do South Dakota to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 817 miles from South Dakota to Michigan 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.