South Dakota to Mississippi Moving Guide
Updated June 7, 2025

Planning a 1,255 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Mississippi? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Mississippi across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs mild winter climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Catfish), real estate & housing (ranch, split level vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chislic and Pheasant, but get your taste buds ready for Catfish & Pulled pork BBQ
- Mississippi housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
- Rent in Mississippi is 15% more expensive than in South Dakota
- Moving from South Dakota to Mississippi will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
- Our top recommended South Dakota to Mississippi movers is Dial-A-Move Inc.
South Dakota to Mississippi Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Mississippi
- Long, harsh winters
- Lesser job opportunities
- Limited cultural activities
- Mild winter climate
- More diverse economy
- Rich cultural heritage
- Higher humidity
- Higher crime rates
- Higher insurance costs
- Open landscapes
- Low population density
- Affordable living
Pros of moving from South Dakota to Mississippi
- Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a mild winter climate
- Look forward to moving away from lesser job opportunities and moving to Mississippi with a more diverse economy
- Swap the limited cultural activities of South Dakota for a rich cultural heritage in Mississippi
Cons of moving from South Dakota to Mississippi
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from open landscapes in South Dakota to live with higher humidity in Mississippi
- You'll lose out on the pro of low population density and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
- Time to bid farewell to affordable living and get used to higher insurance costs in Mississippi
South Dakota vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | South Dakota | Mississippi |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chislic | Catfish |
Most popular meat dish | Pheasant | Pulled pork BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Po'boys |
Most popular vegan food | Buffalo cauliflower | Okra gumbo |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 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 Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Mississippi residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Po'boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Buffalo Cauliflower they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Gumbo of Mississippi. 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 Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint, Walker's Drive-In, and Mayflower Cafe.
When comparing lifestyles, Mississippi shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Mississippi compared to what you are used to in South Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Mississippi.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Mississippi
Comparison | South Dakota | Mississippi |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Split level | Colonial, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Garages | Historic properties, Large lots |
- The Ranch and Split level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Mississippi.
- Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like historic properties and large lots.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Mississippi is less walkable than South Dakota.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Mississippi is less bike-friendly than South Dakota.
- Mississippi has less of an urban feel than South Dakota.
- Mississippi housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $178,490 compared to South Dakotaβs $299,062.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased 31% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
- Rent in Mississippi is 15% more expensive than in South Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Mississippi
Comparison | South Dakota | Mississippi |
---|---|---|
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 | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 60Β°F | 91Β°F / 72Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30Β°F / 10Β°F | 55Β°F / 34Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 20"-30" | 50"-65" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 30"-60" | 1" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 4% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
- Mississippi has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
- Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Mississippi is 6 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 30 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Mississippi
Comparison | South Dakota | Mississippi |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,728 | $52,719 |
Cost of Living Index | 94.1 | 92.1 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 3-5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.22% | 0.81% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.4% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Tourism, Financial Services | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Health Care |
Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
Poverty | Low | High |
Homelessness | Minimal | Significant |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 24% less than in South Dakota
- The COLI in Mississippi will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
- Bummer... By moving from SD to MS, you'll now have a state income tax of 3-5%
- The affluence in Mississippi is lower compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
- The poverty level is high in Mississippi compared to low poverty in South Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in South Dakota and significant in Mississippi
Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Mississippi
Comparison | South Dakota | Mississippi |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Conservative |
Local Politics | Mixed, with a lean towards Republicans | Strongly Republican in statewide offices |
Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse denominations | Heavily Evangelical Christian |
- South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
- Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
- Mississippi's religious environment can be described as heavily Evangelical Christian
- South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse denominations
Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Mississippi
Comparison | South Dakota | Mississippi |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | South Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | University of Mississippi Mississippi State University University of Southern Mississippi |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls) Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg) Fred Assam Elementary (Brandon) | Mannsdale Upper Elementary (Madison) Eastside Elementary (Clinton) North Bay Elementary (Biloxi) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings) Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls) Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls) | Northwest Rankin Middle School (Flowood) Madison Middle School (Madison) Germantown Middle School (Madison) |
Top 3 High Schools | Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Washington High School (Sioux Falls) | Oxford High School (Oxford) Madison Central High School (Madison) Lewisburg High School (Olive Branch) |
Top 3 private high schools | O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls) Roncalli High School (Aberdeen) | Jackson Preparatory School (Jackson) Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison) Presbyterian Christian School (Hattiesburg) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | SF Lutheran School (Sioux Falls) Freeman Academy (Freeman) Dakota Christian School (Corsica) | St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland) Jackson Academy (Jackson) The Veritas School (Ridgeland) |
Top 3 School Districts | Sioux Falls School District Harrisburg School District Brookings School District | Madison County School District Clinton Public School District Rankin County School District |
How Much Do South Dakota to Mississippi Movers Cost?
Moving 1,255 miles from South Dakota to Mississippi will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Two Men and a Truck
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,914 | 300 ft3 | $6.38 |
1 Bedroom | $2,848 | 450 ft3 | $6.33 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,710 | 750 ft3 | $6.28 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,853 | 1100 ft3 | $6.23 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,888 | 1600 ft3 | $6.18 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,034 | 1800 ft3 | $6.13 |
Top South Dakota to Mississippi Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Dakota to Mississippi movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Dial-A-Move Inc.
Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Mississippi