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South Dakota to Nebraska Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 213 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Nebraska? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Nebraska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Cornhusker beef), real estate & housing (ranch vs 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 Cornhusker beef & Prime Rib
  • Nebraska housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Nebraska is 7.25% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Nebraska will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Nebraska movers is King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

South Dakota to Nebraska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Nebraska

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh Winters
  • Remote Locations
  • Limited Job Market
  • Higher State Taxes
ProsNebraska iconNebraska
  • Milder Climate
  • Accessible Amenities
  • Diverse Opportunities
  • Lower State Taxes

Nebraska iconNebraska
  • Flatter Terrain
  • Increased Traffic
  • More Urbanized Areas
  • Less Wildlife Diversity
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Scenic Landscapes
  • Low Traffic Levels
  • Close-knit Communities
  • Unique Wildlife

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Nebraska

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from remote locations and moving to Nebraska with accessible amenities
  • Swap the limited job market of South Dakota for diverse opportunities in Nebraska
  • Get ready for lower state taxes in Nebraska

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Nebraska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic landscapes in South Dakota to live with flatter terrain in Nebraska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of low traffic levels and have to settle with the con of increased traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to more urbanized areas in Nebraska
  • Swap unique wildlife for less wildlife diversity

South Dakota vs. Nebraska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaNebraska
Most iconic local food itemChislicCornhusker beef
Most popular meat dishPheasantPrime Rib
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosRueben Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodKombucha and Grain SaladsBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • The Drover
  • Lazlo's Brewery & Grill
  • Misty's Steakhouse & Brewery
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 Nebraska, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Cornhusker beef of Nebraska. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Nebraska residents know they have tasty Prime Rib and Reuben Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kombucha and Grain Salads they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burgers of Nebraska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Carnaval Brazilian Grill, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Nebraska, don't wait too long before making your way to Nebraska's acclaimed eateries like The Drover, Lazlo's Brewery and Grill, and Misty's Steakhouse and Brewery.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Nebraska

ComparisonSouth DakotaNebraska
Typical Architecture StyleRanchRanch
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, viewsEnergy efficiency, modern amenities
  • The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Nebraska.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and views, Nebraska real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Nebraska is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Nebraska is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Nebraska has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Nebraska housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $257,167 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Nebraska have increased by 47% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Nebraska is 7.25% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaNebraska
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 DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsTornadoes, Hail Storms
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/60Β°F87Β°F/62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F/10Β°F35Β°F/15Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20"28"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)39"28"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to Nebraska. Nebraska gets 6% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Nebraska has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hail storms in Nebraska.
  • The average summer high temperature in Nebraska is 2 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Nebraska. Nebraska receives 8 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Nebraska

ComparisonSouth DakotaNebraska
Avg. Household Income$69,728$69,597
Cost of Living Index94.190.85
State Income Tax0%1.84%
Avg. Property Tax1.32%1.77%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%5.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Finance, ManufacturingAgriculture, Insurance, Transportation
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Nebraska tend to earn about 0% less than in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Nebraska will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from SD to NE, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.84%
  • The affluence in Nebraska is moderate compared to moderate in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Nebraska compared to low in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and low in Nebraska

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Nebraska

ComparisonSouth DakotaNebraska
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Conservative
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceMixed, with Republican Lean
ReligionChristian MajorityChristian Majority
  • South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Nebraska, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
  • Nebraska's religious environment can be described as a Christian Majority
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian Majority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Nebraska

ComparisonSouth DakotaNebraska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Dakota State University
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Creighton University
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsDiscovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Brownell Elementary (Lincoln)
Prairie Lane Elementary (Omaha)
Swanson Elementary (Omaha)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Brownell Talbot School (Omaha)
Elkhorn Ridge Middle School (Elkhorn)
Kiewit Middle School (Omaha)
Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln East High School (Lincoln)
Millard North High School (Omaha)
Elkhorn South High School (Elkhorn)
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School (Omaha)
Creighton Preparatory School (Omaha)
Duchesne Academy (Omaha)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown)
Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)
Brownell Talbot School (Omaha)
Omaha Christian Academy (Omaha)
Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha (Omaha)
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brookings School District
Elkhorn Public Schools
Millard Public Schools
Lincoln Public Schools

How Much Do South Dakota to Nebraska Movers Cost?

Moving 213 miles from South Dakota to Nebraska will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,323300 ft3$4.41
1 Bedroom$1,962450 ft3$4.36
2 Bedrooms$3,233750 ft3$4.31
3 Bedrooms$4,6871100 ft3$4.26
4 Bedrooms$6,7371600 ft3$4.21
5+ Bedrooms$7,4891800 ft3$4.16

Top South Dakota to Nebraska Movers

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

TOP PICK
King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha featured image

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Nebraska

9.48/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
King's Moving featured image

King's Moving

9.36/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10