SD to MO Moving Specialists

South Dakota to Missouri Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 748 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Missouri? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Missouri across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Chislic vs St. Louis Style Pizza), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for St. Louis Style Pizza & Kansas City Barbecue
  • Missouri housing costs are 19% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Missouri is 12.12% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Missouri will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Missouri movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Top South Dakota to Missouri Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Missouri

9.63/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.35/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.95/10
Superb

South Dakota to Missouri Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Missouri

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Sparse entertainment
  • Isolated communities
  • Rural healthcare options
ProsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Milder climate
  • Thriving industries
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse neighborhoods
  • Better healthcare facilities

Missouri iconMissouri
  • Higher crime rates
  • Urban sprawl
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fewer open spaces
  • Busier lifestyle
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Low crime rates
  • Close-knit communities
  • Cost-effective living
  • Natural landscapes
  • Peaceful atmosphere

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Missouri

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Missouri with thriving industries
  • Swap the sparse entertainment of South Dakota for a vibrant cultural scene in Missouri
  • Get ready for diverse neighborhoods in Missouri

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Missouri

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low crime rates in South Dakota to live with higher crime rates in Missouri
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of urban sprawl
  • Time to bid farewell to cost-effective living and get used to a higher cost of living in Missouri
  • Swap natural landscapes for fewer open spaces

South Dakota vs. Missouri: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaMissouri
Most iconic local food itemChislicSt. Louis Style Pizza
Most popular meat dishBison SteakKansas City Barbecue
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosToasted Ravioli
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Mount Rushmore Brewing Company
  • Al's Oasis
  • Minervas
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Pizzeoli
  • The Blue Owl
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 Missouri, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious St. Louis Style Pizza of Missouri. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Missouri residents know they have tasty Kansas City Barbecue and Toasted Ravioli 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 Jackfruit BBQ of Missouri. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Mount Rushmore Brewing Company, Al's Oasis, and Minervas. After the boxes are unpacked in Missouri, don't wait too long before making your way to Missouri's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Pizzeoli, and The Blue Owl.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Missouri

ComparisonSouth DakotaMissouri
Typical Architecture StyleRanchColonial Revival
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 listingLarge yards, garagesHistoric homes, proximity to parks
  • The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of Missouri.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Missouri real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and proximity to parks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Missouri is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Missouri is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Missouri has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Missouri housing costs are 19% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $243,216 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Missouri have increased by 49% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Missouri is 12.12% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMissouri
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6089/67
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30/1040/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20-3040-50
Annual Snowfall (Inches)30-4020
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Missouri. Missouri gets 4% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Missouri has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Missouri.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Missouri is 4 degrees warmer than South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Missouri. Missouri receives 20 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Missouri

ComparisonSouth DakotaMissouri
Avg. Household Income$69,728$64,811
Cost of Living Index94.191.8
State Income Tax0%5.4%
Avg. Property Tax1.22%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%4.225%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, TourismHealthcare, Retail, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateDiverse
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Missouri tend to earn about 7% less than those in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Missouri is 2% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from SD to MO, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.4%
  • The affluence in Missouri is diverse compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Missouri compared to low poverty in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Missouri

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Missouri

ComparisonSouth DakotaMissouri
Political Make-upLean RepublicanSwing State, with recent lean towards Republican
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areas, moderate in urban areasMixed, with conservative rural areas and liberal urban centers
ReligionMajority Protestant, with a significant Catholic minorityMajority Protestant, with a diverse religious landscape in urban areas
  • South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Missouri, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, with a recent lean towards Republican
  • Missouri's religious environment can be described as majority Protestant, with a diverse religious landscape in urban areas
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Protestant, with a significant Catholic minority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Missouri

ComparisonSouth DakotaMissouri
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Augustana University
University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center - Sioux Falls
Discovery Elementary - Sioux Falls
Fred Assam Elementary - Brandon
Concord Elementary - Saint Louis
Claymont Elementary - Ballwin
Mason Ridge Elementary - Town and Country
Top 3 Middle SchoolsEdison Middle School - Sioux Falls
Patrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls
George McGovern Middle School - Sioux Falls
Ladue Middle School - Ladue
John Burroughs School - Ladue
Pembroke Hill School - Kansas City
Top 3 High School SchoolsRoosevelt High School - Sioux Falls
Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls
Brookings High School - Brookings
Clayton High School - Clayton
Ladue Horton Watkins High School - Ladue
Central High School - Springfield
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Great Plains Lutheran High School - Watertown
John Burroughs School - Ladue
Pembroke Hill School - Kansas City
St. Louis University High School - St. Louis
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsChristian Center Elementary - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Dakota Christian School - Corsica
Pembroke Hill School - Kansas City
John Burroughs School - Ladue
The Fulton School at St. Albans - Saint Albans
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Brandon Valley School District
Brookings School District
Clayton School District
Ladue School District
Park Hill School District

How Much Do South Dakota to Missouri Movers Cost?

Moving 748 miles from South Dakota to Missouri 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,627300 ft3$5.42
1 Bedroom$2,417450 ft3$5.37
2 Bedrooms$3,991750 ft3$5.32
3 Bedrooms$5,7991100 ft3$5.27
4 Bedrooms$8,3551600 ft3$5.22
5+ Bedrooms$9,3091800 ft3$5.17