South Dakota to Minnesota Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Updated June 19, 2025
Planning a 492 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs more amenities), food & health (like Chislic vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs colonial, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison steak, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye fish fry
- Minnesota housing costs are 11% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
- Rent in Minnesota is 39.98% more expensive than in South Dakota
- Moving from South Dakota to Minnesota will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended South Dakota to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

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

Metro Movers
Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Minnesota

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Dial-A-Move Inc.
South Dakota to Minnesota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Minnesota
- Harsh winters
- Limited job opportunities
- Few cultural events
- Rural isolation
- More amenities
- Vibrant job market
- Rich cultural scene
- Urban lifestyle options
- Higher cost of living
- Busier lifestyle
- Congested roads
- Longer commutes
- Lower cost of living
- Quieter life
- Less traffic
- Natural beauty
Pros of moving from South Dakota to Minnesota
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to more amenities
- Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Minnesota with a vibrant job market
- Swap the few cultural events of South Dakota for a rich cultural scene in Minnesota
- Get ready for urban lifestyle options in Minnesota
Cons of moving from South Dakota to Minnesota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with the higher cost of living in Minnesota
- You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter life and have to settle with the con of a busier lifestyle
- Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to congested roads in Minnesota
- Swap natural beauty for longer commutes
South Dakota vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chislic | Hotdish |
Most popular meat dish | Bison steak | Walleye fish fry |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Jucy Lucy burger |
Most popular vegan food | Wild rice soup | Vegan Wild Rice Soup |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from South Dakota to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye fish fry and Jucy Lucy burgers 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 Wild Rice Soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Murdoch's Family Restaurant, and Ted's Place. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and The Saloon.
When comparing lifestyles, Minnesota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Minnesota compared to what you are used to in South Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Minnesota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Minnesota
Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Colonial, Modern |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large lots, Quiet streets | Lakeside access, Urban conveniences |
- The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Modern architecture typical of Minnesota.
- Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and quiet streets, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside access and urban conveniences.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than South Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
- Minnesota has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
- Minnesota housing costs are 11% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to South Dakotaβs $299,062.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
- Rent in Minnesota is 39.98% more expensive than in South Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Minnesota
Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Blizzards | Tornadoes, Blizzards, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 60Β°F | 83Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30Β°F / 10Β°F | 24Β°F / 7Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 22 | 30 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 39 | 55 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 7% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
- Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower 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 tornadoes, blizzards, and floods in Minnesota.
- The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 2 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in South Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 8 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Minnesota
Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,728 | $82,338 |
Cost of Living Index | 94.1 | 98.75 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 5.35% - 9.85% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.2% | 1.1% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4.5% | 6.875% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Tourism, Finance | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Rare | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 18% more than those in South Dakota
- The COLI in Minnesota will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
- Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Minnesota, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.35% - 9.85%
- The affluence in Minnesota is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
- The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to low in South Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is rare in South Dakota and moderate in Minnesota
Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Minnesota
Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
Local Politics | Republican Dominance | Democratic Strongholds in Urban Areas |
Religion | Christian Majority | Christian Majority with Diverse Religious Communities |
- South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
- Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
- Minnesota's religious environment can be described as having a Christian Majority with Diverse Religious Communities
- South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian Majority
Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Minnesota
Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of South Dakota Vermillion South Dakota State University Brookings Augustana University Sioux Falls | University of Minnesota Twin Cities Minneapolis Purdue University Saint Paul Minnesota State University Mankato |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | John Harris Elementary School Sioux Falls O'Gorman Elementary School Sioux Falls Rapid Valley Elementary School Rapid City | Wayzata East Middle School Wayzata Lake Harriet Upper School Minneapolis Matoska International IB World School White Bear Lake |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Patrick Henry Middle School Sioux Falls Memorial Middle School Sioux Falls Watertown Middle School Watertown | Wayzata Central Middle School Plymouth Stillwater Middle School Stillwater Edina South View Middle School Edina |
Top 3 High Schools | Washington High School Sioux Falls R.C. Stevens High School Rapid City Brandon Valley High School Brandon | Wayzata High School Plymouth Minnetonka High School Minnetonka Edina High School Edina |
Top 3 private high schools | O'Gorman High School Sioux Falls Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Christian Schools Sioux Falls | Minnehaha Academy Minneapolis Bremer School Edina The Blake School Minneapolis |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Sioux Falls Christian Schools Sioux Falls Aberdeen Christian School Aberdeen Roncalli Schools Aberdeen | St. Paul Academy and Summit School St. Paul Mounds Park Academy St. Paul Breck School Golden Valley |
Top 3 School Districts | Sioux Falls School District Rapid City Area Schools Brandon Valley School District | Wayzata Public Schools Wayzata Edina Public Schools Edina Eden Prairie Schools Eden Prairie |
How Much Do South Dakota to Minnesota Movers Cost?
Moving 492 miles from South Dakota to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 4.5-8 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,481 | 300 ft3 | $4.94 |
1 Bedroom | $2,200 | 450 ft3 | $4.89 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,629 | 750 ft3 | $4.84 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,267 | 1100 ft3 | $4.79 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,581 | 1600 ft3 | $4.74 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,438 | 1800 ft3 | $4.69 |