South Dakota to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to North Dakota

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job growth
• Rural isolation
• Fewer cultural events

ProsNorth Dakota

• Milder winters
• Better job market
• Urban amenities
• Rich cultural scene

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North Dakota

• Higher traffic
• Fewer green spaces
• Higher cost of living
• Less small town feel

South Dakota

• Fewer traffic issues
• Scenic landscapes
• Lower cost of living
• Friendly communities

Pros of moving from South Dakota to North Dakota

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from limited job growth and moving to North Dakota with a better job market
• Swap the rural isolation of South Dakota for urban amenities in North Dakota
• Get ready for a rich cultural scene in North Dakota

Cons of moving from South Dakota to North Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from fewer traffic issues in South Dakota to live with higher traffic in North Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of scenic landscapes and have to settle for the con of fewer green spaces
• Time to bid farewell to a lower cost of living and get used to a higher cost of living in North Dakota
• Swap friendly communities for a less small-town feel

South Dakota vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Buffalo Burgers and sumptuous Indian Tacos, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Buffalo Berry Chutney they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Prairie Turnip of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Minervas. After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Kroll's Diner, Mezzaluna, and HoDo (Hotel Donaldson).

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and North Dakota

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of North Dakota.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and privacy, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and modern appliances.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Dakota is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Dakota is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• North Dakota has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• North Dakota housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in North Dakota is 14.26% more affordable than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to North Dakota; North Dakota gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• North Dakota has higher humidity and a lower 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 blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 3 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota; North Dakota receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and North Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 3% more than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in North Dakota will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to North Dakota, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.1% to 2.9%
• The affluence in North Dakota is moderate compared to stable in South Dakota
• The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in South Dakota and minimal in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. North Dakota

• South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
• North Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant Lutheran presence
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a large Protestant population

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to North Dakota

How Much Do South Dakota to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 324 miles from South Dakota to North Dakota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.