South Dakota to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Montana

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsher winters
• Limited job market
• Few mountain ranges
• Flat terrain
• Lower wages

ProsMontana

• Milder winters
• More job opportunities
• Beautiful mountains
• Diverse landscapes
• Higher wages

---

Montana

• Higher living costs
• Sparser population
• Fewer historic sites
• Challenging farming terrain
• More tourist activity

South Dakota

• Lower cost of living
• Close-knit communities
• Rich history
• Agricultural opportunities
• Quiet lifestyle

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Montana

• Say goodbye to harsher winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Montana with more job opportunities
• Swap the few mountain ranges of South Dakota for beautiful mountains in Montana
• Get ready for diverse landscapes in Montana

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of a sparser population
• Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historic sites in Montana
• Swap agricultural opportunities for challenging farming terrain

South Dakota vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Buffalo Steak of Montana. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty Elk Burger and Huckleberry Pie to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Morrie's Steakhouse, and Minervas. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like 2nd Street Bistro, Crave Kitchen and Bar, and Lewis and Clark Brewing Company.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Montana

• The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Cabin and Mountain Modern architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like natural views and proximity to parks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Montana is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Montana is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Montana has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Montana housing costs are 53% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased 71% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Montana is 18.38% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Montana. Montana gets 17% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Montana has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in Montana.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 3% less than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Montana will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Montana, you'll now have a state income tax of 1% to 6.9%
• The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is slightly higher in Montana compared to the average in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Montana

• South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as moderately conservative
• Montana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with diverse denominations
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Christian with a Lutheran and Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Montana

How Much Do South Dakota to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 661 miles from South Dakota to Montana will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.