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South Dakota to New York Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 1,543 mile interstate move from South Dakota to New York? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs New York across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Bagel with Lox), real estate & housing (ranch vs brownstone/tenement), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Bagel with Lox & Pastrami on Rye
  • New York housing costs are 54% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in New York is 109.89% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to New York will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to New York movers is JP Urban Moving

South Dakota to New York Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to New York

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Rural isolation
  • Lack of diversity
ProsNew York iconNew York
  • Milder climate
  • More job opportunities
  • Numerous amenities
  • Cultural richness

New York iconNew York
  • High expenses
  • City noise
  • Impersonal atmosphere
  • Less greenery
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Tranquil environment
  • Tight-knit community
  • Nature access

Pros of moving from South Dakota to New York

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job market and moving to New York with more job opportunities
  • Swap the rural isolation of South Dakota for numerous amenities in New York
  • Get ready for cultural richness in New York

Cons of moving from South Dakota to New York

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with high expenses in New York
  • You'll lose out on the pro of tranquil environment and have to settle with the con of city noise
  • Time to bid farewell to tight-knit community and get used to impersonal atmosphere in New York
  • Swap nature access for less greenery

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaNew York
Most iconic local food itemChislicBagel with Lox
Most popular meat dishBison SteakPastrami on Rye
Most popular street food itemFried WalleyeHalloumi Fries
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Crazy Cow Cafe
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Lookout Lodge
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
  • Carmine's Italian Restaurant
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 New York, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Bagel with Lox of New York. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Fried Walleye, New York residents know they have tasty Pastrami on Rye and Halloumi Fries 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 Vegan Pizza of New York. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Crazy Cow Cafe, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Lookout Lodge. After the boxes are unpacked in New York, don't wait too long before making your way to New York's acclaimed eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Carmine's Italian Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and New York

ComparisonSouth DakotaNew York
Typical Architecture StyleRanchBrownstone/Tenement
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 listingLarge lots, Quiet neighborhoodsPublic transportation access, Proximity to amenities
  • The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Brownstone and Tenement architecture typical of New York.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings, which commonly reference large lots and quiet neighborhoods, New York real estate listings often highlight features like public transportation access and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New York is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New York is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • New York has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • New York housing costs are 54% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $460,812 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New York have increased by 36% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in New York is 109.89% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaNew York
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, BlizzardsHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6082/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30/-638/26
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2342
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3825-75 (varies widely across the state)
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to New York. New York gets 1% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • New York has higher humidity and a lower 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in New York.
  • The average summer high temperature in New York is 3 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in New York are 32 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in New York. New York receives 19 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and New York

ComparisonSouth DakotaNew York
Avg. Household Income$69,728$79,557
Cost of Living Index94.1102.8
State Income Tax0%4-8.82%
Avg. Property Tax1.22%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%4% plus local
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, ManufacturingFinance, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceModestHigh
PovertyModerateNotable
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New York tend to earn about 14% more than those in South Dakota
  • The COLI in New York is 9% higher than what you are used to in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to New York, you'll now have a state income tax of 4-8.82%
  • The affluence in New York is high compared to modest affluence in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is notable in New York compared to moderate poverty in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and high in New York

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. New York

ComparisonSouth DakotaNew York
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceDemocratic Dominance
ReligionChristian MajorityReligious Diversity
  • South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • New York, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • New York's religious environment can be described as religious diversity
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to New York

ComparisonSouth DakotaNew York
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
New York University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center - Sioux Falls
Buchanan Elementary - Pierre
Freedom Elementary - Harrisburg
Success Academy Charter School - Bronx
PS 77 Lower Lab School - New York
NEST+m - New York
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge S. Mickelson Middle School - Brookings
Edison Middle School - Sioux Falls
Dakota Valley Middle School - North Sioux City
NEST+m - New York
I.S. 187 The Christa McAuliffe School - Brooklyn
The Anderson School PS 334 - New York
Top 3 High School SchoolsRoosevelt High School - Sioux Falls
Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls
Brookings High School - Brookings
Stuyvesant High School - New York
Bronx High School of Science - Bronx
Brooklyn Technical High School - Brooklyn
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Great Plains Lutheran High School - Watertown
Horace Mann School - Bronx
The Brearley School - New York
Collegiate School - New York
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Aberdeen Christian School - Aberdeen
Mitchell Christian School - Mitchell
Trinity School - New York
The Spence School - New York
The Chapin School - New York
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District
Great Neck Public Schools
Jericho Union Free School District
Scarsdale Union Free School District

How Much Do South Dakota to New York Movers Cost?

Moving 1,543 miles from South Dakota to New York will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,077300 ft3$6.92
1 Bedroom$3,093450 ft3$6.87
2 Bedrooms$5,118750 ft3$6.82
3 Bedrooms$7,4521100 ft3$6.77
4 Bedrooms$10,7591600 ft3$6.72
5+ Bedrooms$12,0141800 ft3$6.67

Top South Dakota to New York Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Urban Moving featured image

JP Urban Moving

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to New York

9.85/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metropolis Moving featured image

Metropolis Moving

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10
Top South Dakota to New York Routes

Sioux Falls to New York