South Dakota to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to New Mexico

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited cultural diversity
• Few major cities
• Flat landscapes
• Less sunshine

ProsNew Mexico

• Mild winters
• Cultural richness
• More urban options
• Diverse terrain
• Abundant sunshine

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New Mexico

• Higher cost of living
• Higher crime rates
• More competitive
• More transient population
• Arid environment

South Dakota

• Lower cost of living
• Low crime rate
• Friendly communities
• Close-knit towns
• Natural parks

Pros of moving from South Dakota to New Mexico

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from limited cultural diversity and moving to New Mexico with cultural richness
• Swap the few major cities of South Dakota for more urban options in New Mexico
• Get ready for diverse terrain in New Mexico

Cons of moving from South Dakota to New Mexico

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with a higher cost of living in New Mexico
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
• Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to being more competitive in New Mexico
• Swap close-knit towns for a more transient population

South Dakota vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious New Mexico Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Navajo Tacos 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 Calabacitas of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Santa Café, Frontier Restaurant, and El Modelo Mexican Foods.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and New Mexico

• The Prairie and Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish architecture typical of New Mexico.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like views of mountains and deserts and outdoor living spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; New Mexico is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; New Mexico is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• New Mexico has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• New Mexico housing costs are 0% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in New Mexico is 14.43% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 31% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
• New Mexico has lower 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 wildfires and flooding in New Mexico.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 12 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and New Mexico

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 14% less than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in New Mexico will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to NM, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.7% - 5.9%
• The affluence in New Mexico is low to moderate compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to moderate poverty in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. New Mexico

• South Dakota tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
• New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democrat
• New Mexico's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a strong Roman Catholic presence alongside Native American spiritual practices
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a significant Lutheran presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to New Mexico

How Much Do South Dakota to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 890 miles from South Dakota to New Mexico will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.