South Dakota to Ohio Moving Guide
Updated June 15, 2025

Planning a 1,051 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Ohio? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Ohio across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited cultural events vs vibrant cultural scene), food & health (like Chislic vs Buckeye Candy), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison steak, but get your taste buds ready for Buckeye Candy & Cincinnati Chili
- Ohio housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
- Rent in Ohio is 21.60% more expensive than in South Dakota
- Moving from South Dakota to Ohio will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended South Dakota to Ohio movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
South Dakota to Ohio Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Ohio
- Limited cultural events
- Fewer job opportunities
- Harsh winters
- Less diverse cuisine
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Diverse employment options
- Milder winter climate
- Varied food options
- Higher housing costs
- Urban traffic congestion
- Industrial areas
- Busier urban life
- Lower cost of living
- Less crowded space
- Natural landscapes
- Small community feel
Pros of moving from South Dakota to Ohio
- Say goodbye to limited cultural events and hello to a vibrant cultural scene
- Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to Ohio with diverse employment options
- Swap the harsh winters of South Dakota for a milder winter climate in Ohio
- Get ready for varied food options in Ohio
Cons of moving from South Dakota to Ohio
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher housing costs in Ohio
- You'll lose out on the pro of less crowded space and have to settle for the con of urban traffic congestion
- Time to bid farewell to natural landscapes and get used to industrial areas in Ohio
- Swap the small community feel for a busier urban life
South Dakota vs. Ohio: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | South Dakota | Ohio |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chislic | Buckeye Candy |
Most popular meat dish | Bison steak | Cincinnati Chili |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Polish Boy |
Most popular vegan food | Squaw Bread | Vegan pierogi |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from South Dakota to Ohio, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Buckeye Candy of Ohio. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Ohio residents know they have tasty Cincinnati Chili and Polish Boy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Squaw Bread they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan pierogi of Ohio. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Cattleman's Club Steakhouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Ohio, don't wait too long before making your way to Ohio's acclaimed eateries like Skyline Chili, The Thurman Cafe, and Pier W.
When comparing lifestyles, Ohio shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Ohio compared to what you are used to in South Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Ohio.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Ohio
Comparison | South Dakota | Ohio |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards | Proximity to amenities |
- The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Ohio.
- Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards, Ohio real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Ohio is more walkable than South Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Ohio is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
- Ohio has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
- Ohio housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $223,135 compared to South Dakotaβs $299,062.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Ohio have increased by 49% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
- Rent in Ohio is 21.60% more expensive than in South Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Ohio
Comparison | South Dakota | Ohio |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Generally Good | Variable, Urban areas can be worse |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 60Β°F | 83Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30Β°F / 10Β°F | 36Β°F / 22Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 25" | 39" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 44" | 28" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Ohio. Ohio gets 17% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
- Ohio has higher humidity and a lower 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 tornadoes and floods in Ohio.
- The average summer high temperature in Ohio is 2 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer in Ohio than they are in South Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Ohio. Ohio receives 14 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Ohio
Comparison | South Dakota | Ohio |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,728 | $65,720 |
Cost of Living Index | 94.1 | 92.85 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 3.99% - 4.797% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.22% | 1.52% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4.5% | 5.75% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Finance, Retail | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance |
Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Ohio tend to earn about 6% less than in South Dakota
- The COLI in Ohio will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
- Bummer... By moving from SD to OH, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.99% to 4.797%
- The affluence in Ohio is varied compared to moderate in South Dakota
- The poverty level is moderate in Ohio compared to low in South Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Ohio
Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Ohio
Comparison | South Dakota | Ohio |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Republican | Swing state |
Local Politics | Conservative in rural areas | Mixed, varies by region |
Religion | Christianity predominant, with a notable Lutheran presence | Christianity predominant, diverse denominations |
- South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
- Ohio, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
- Ohio's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with diverse denominations
- South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a notable Lutheran presence
Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Ohio
Comparison | South Dakota | Ohio |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | South Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | Ohio State University University of Cincinnati Kent State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Challenge Center (Sioux Falls) Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls) Buchanan Elementary (Huron) | Indian Hill Elementary (Cincinnati) Granville Elementary (Granville) John Foster Dulles Elementary (Cincinnati) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls) Yankton Middle School (Yankton) George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings) | Bexley Middle School (Bexley) Hudson Middle School (Hudson) Jones Middle School (Upper Arlington) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Brookings High School (Brookings) | Bexley High School (Bexley) Walnut Hills High School (Cincinnati) Solon High School (Solon) |
Top 3 private high schools | O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown) | Hawken School (Gates Mills) University School (Hunting Valley) Columbus Academy (Gahanna) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Roncalli High School (Aberdeen) Sioux Falls Lutheran School (Sioux Falls) Freeman Academy (Freeman) | Cincinnati Country Day School (Cincinnati) Columbus School for Girls (Columbus) Western Reserve Academy (Hudson) |
Top 3 School Districts | Sioux Falls School District Harrisburg School District Brandon Valley School District | Indian Hill Exempted Village School District Solon City School District Hudson City School District |
How Much Do South Dakota to Ohio Movers Cost?
Moving 1,051 miles from South Dakota to Ohio will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,798 | 300 ft3 | $5.99 |
1 Bedroom | $2,675 | 450 ft3 | $5.94 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,421 | 750 ft3 | $5.89 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,429 | 1100 ft3 | $5.84 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,271 | 1600 ft3 | $5.79 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,340 | 1800 ft3 | $5.74 |
Top South Dakota to Ohio Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Dakota to Ohio movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Ohio