Movers

South Dakota to Mississippi Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

Hero background image

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

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Limited cultural activities
ProsMississippi iconMississippi
  • Mild winter climate
  • More diverse economy
  • Rich cultural heritage

Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Higher humidity
  • Higher crime rates
  • Higher insurance costs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMississippi
Most iconic local food itemChislicCatfish
Most popular meat dishPheasantPulled pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodBuffalo cauliflowerOkra gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMississippi
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Split levelColonial, Ranch
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 listingSpacious yards, GaragesHistoric 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 Dakota’s $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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMississippi
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F / 10Β°F55Β°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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMississippi
Avg. Household Income$69,728$52,719
Cost of Living Index94.192.1
State Income Tax0%3-5%
Avg. Property Tax1.22%0.81%
Avg. Sales Tax6.4%7%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, Financial ServicesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Health Care
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessMinimalSignificant
  • 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMississippi
Political Make-upConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMixed, with a lean towards RepublicansStrongly Republican in statewide offices
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse denominationsHeavily 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

ComparisonSouth DakotaMississippi
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 SchoolsDiscovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
Fred Assam Elementary (Brandon)
Mannsdale Upper Elementary (Madison)
Eastside Elementary (Clinton)
North Bay Elementary (Biloxi)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge 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 SchoolsLincoln 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 schoolsO'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 schoolsSF 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 DistrictsSioux 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 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Two Men and a Truck
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,914300 ft3$6.38
1 Bedroom$2,848450 ft3$6.33
2 Bedrooms$4,710750 ft3$6.28
3 Bedrooms$6,8531100 ft3$6.23
4 Bedrooms$9,8881600 ft3$6.18
5+ Bedrooms$11,0341800 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.

TOP PICK
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Mississippi

8.94/10
RUNNER-UP
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.92/10
ALSO GREAT
MoveMint - Pack & Move

MoveMint - Pack & Move

8.59/10
FabulousView details
Top South Dakota to Mississippi Routes

Sioux Falls to Mississippi