Movers

South Dakota to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 746 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Oklahoma? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Oklahoma across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs warmer climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Chicken Fried Steak), real estate & housing (prairie and ranch vs traditional and 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 Bison, but get your taste buds ready for Chicken Fried Steak & Barbecue
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 6.68% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Oklahoma will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Oklahoma movers is Serenity Moving Services

South Dakota to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Oklahoma

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited job market
  • Sparse amenities
ProsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Warmer climate
  • More urban areas
  • Diverse opportunities
  • Rich amenities

Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Higher living costs
  • Less varied scenery
  • More hustle and bustle
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Quiet lifestyle

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Oklahoma

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a warmer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Oklahoma with more urban areas
  • Swap the limited job market of South Dakota for diverse opportunities in Oklahoma
  • Get ready for rich amenities in Oklahoma

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Oklahoma

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Oklahoma
  • You'll lose out on the pro of stunning landscapes and have to settle for the con of less varied scenery
  • Time to bid farewell to a quiet lifestyle and get used to more hustle and bustle in Oklahoma

South Dakota vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaOklahoma
Most iconic local food itemChislicChicken Fried Steak
Most popular meat dishBisonBarbecue
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosFried Onion Burger
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice DishesOkra Dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattleman's Steakhouse
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Que Pasa Cantina
  • Eischen's Bar
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Joe's Barbecue
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from South Dakota to Oklahoma, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Oklahoma residents know they have tasty Barbecue and Fried Onion Burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Dishes of Oklahoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Steakhouse, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Que Pasa Cantina. After the boxes are unpacked in Oklahoma, don't wait too long before making your way to Oklahoma's acclaimed eateries like Eischen's Bar, Cattlemen's Steakhouse, and Joe's Barbecue.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Oklahoma

ComparisonSouth DakotaOklahoma
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and RanchTraditional and Ranch
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, GaragesStorm shelters, Garages
  • The Prairie and Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Ranch architecture typical of Oklahoma.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Oklahoma real estate listings often highlight features like storm shelters and garages.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oklahoma is less walkable than South Dakota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Oklahoma is less bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Oklahoma has less of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $203,455 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oklahoma have increased by 50% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 6.68% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaOklahoma
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesTornadoes, Hailstorms
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F94Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F / 10Β°F50Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20-30"36-56"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)30-60"6-12"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to Oklahoma. Oklahoma gets 8% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Oklahoma 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 tornadoes and hailstorms in Oklahoma.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Oklahoma is 9 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in Oklahoma are 20 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oklahoma. Oklahoma receives 16 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Oklahoma

ComparisonSouth DakotaOklahoma
Avg. Household Income$69,728$59,673
Cost of Living Index94.190.1
State Income Tax0%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.2%0.9%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%8.95%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, TourismEnergy, Agriculture, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oklahoma tend to earn about 14% less than in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Oklahoma will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from SD to OK, you'll now have a state income tax of 5%
  • The affluence in Oklahoma is growing compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oklahoma compared to low poverty in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in South Dakota and moderate in Oklahoma

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Oklahoma

ComparisonSouth DakotaOklahoma
Political Make-upLean ConservativeStrongly Conservative
Local Politics<a href="https://sdsos.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">S.D. Secretary of State</a>Oklahoma State Election Board
ReligionProtestant MajorityProtestant Majority
  • South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Oklahoma, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Conservative
  • Oklahoma's religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Oklahoma

ComparisonSouth DakotaOklahoma
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Augustana University
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsDiscovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
Fred Assam Elementary (Brandon)
Lincoln Elementary (Norman)
Charleston Elementary (Broken Arrow)
Jennings Elementary (Jennings)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge McGovern Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Whittier Middle School (Norman)
Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond)
Central Middle School (Bartlesville)
Top 3 High SchoolsRoosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Brookings High School (Brookings)
Edmond North High School (Edmond)
Norman North High School (Norman)
Jenks High School (Jenks)
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City)
Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa)
Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City)
Holland Hall (Tulsa)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRoncalli Catholic School (Aberdeen)
Sioux Falls Lutheran School (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Oklahoma City)
Christian Heritage Academy (Del City)
Crossings Christian School (Oklahoma City)
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brookings School District
Edmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools

How Much Do South Dakota to Oklahoma Movers Cost?

Moving 746 miles from South Dakota to Oklahoma 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Serenity Moving Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,625300 ft3$5.42
1 Bedroom$2,416450 ft3$5.37
2 Bedrooms$3,989750 ft3$5.32
3 Bedrooms$5,7951100 ft3$5.27
4 Bedrooms$8,3491600 ft3$5.22
5+ Bedrooms$9,3021800 ft3$5.17

Top South Dakota to Oklahoma Movers

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

TOP PICK
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Oklahoma

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Sneedworks featured image

Sneedworks

9.05/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10