South Dakota to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Updated June 23, 2025

Planning a 1,686 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Chislic vs Stuffies), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Stuffies & Clam Cakes
- Rhode Island housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
- Rent in Rhode Island is 74.86% more expensive than in South Dakota
- Moving from South Dakota to Rhode Island will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended South Dakota to Rhode Island movers is Dial-A-Move Inc.
Top South Dakota to Rhode Island Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Dakota to Rhode Island movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Dial-A-Move Inc.
Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Rhode Island

Two Men and a Truck

Dial-A-Move
South Dakota to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Rhode Island
- Harsh winters
- Remote locations
- Fewer job opportunities
- Limited cultural events
- Milder winters
- Close-knit communities
- Diverse job market
- Vibrant arts scene
- Higher cost of living
- Limited open spaces
- Higher crime rates
- Heavy traffic
- Low cost of living
- Scenic natural beauty
- Low crime rates
- No traffic congestion
Pros of moving from South Dakota to Rhode Island
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
- Look forward to moving away from remote locations and moving to Rhode Island with close-knit communities
- Swap the fewer job opportunities of South Dakota for a diverse job market in Rhode Island
- Get ready for a vibrant arts scene in Rhode Island
Cons of moving from South Dakota to Rhode Island
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with the higher cost of living in Rhode Island
- You'll lose out on the pro of scenic natural beauty and have to settle for the con of limited open spaces
- Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Rhode Island
- Swap no traffic congestion for heavy traffic
South Dakota vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | South Dakota | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chislic | Stuffies |
Most popular meat dish | Bison Steak | Clam Cakes |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Hot Wieners |
Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Dishes | Delβs Lemonade |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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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 Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Stuffies of Rhode Island. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Clam Cakes and Hot Wieners 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 Delβs Lemonade of Rhode Island. 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 Minervas. After the boxes are unpacked in Rhode Island, don't wait too long before making your way to Rhode Island's acclaimed eateries like Al Forno, Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, and Hemenwayβs Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar.
When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Rhode Island, compared to what you are used to in South Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Rhode Island.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Rhode Island
Comparison | South Dakota | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
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, garages | Coastal views, historic features |
- The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Rhode Island.
- Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like coastal views and historic elements.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than South Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
- Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
- Rhode Island housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in South Dakota with a median home price of $451,868 compared to South Dakotaβs $299,062.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
- Rent in Rhode Island is 74.86% more expensive than in South Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Rhode Island
Comparison | South Dakota | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
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 | Hurricanes, Nor'easters |
Air Quality | Generally Good | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85/60 | 82/63 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30/10 | 40/20 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 26 | 50 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 39 | 33 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 11% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
- Rhode Island 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in Rhode Island.
- The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
- The average winter lows in Rhode Island are 10 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 24 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Rhode Island
Comparison | South Dakota | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,728 | $81,854 |
Cost of Living Index | 94.1 | 123.3 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 3.75% - 5.99% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.22% | 1.63% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4.5% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Lower | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 17% more than in South Dakota
- The COLI in Rhode Island will be 31% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
- Bummer... By moving from SD to RI, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.75% - 5.99%
- The affluence in Rhode Island is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
- The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to lower in South Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Rhode Island
Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Rhode Island
Comparison | South Dakota | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican | Primarily Democratic |
Local Politics | Conservative leanings, emphasis on-state rights | Liberal policies, strong union presence |
Religion | Majority Protestant, with a significant Catholic minority | Predominantly Catholic, diverse religious communities |
- South Dakota tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
- Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
- Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as predominantly Catholic and diverse religious communities
- South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Protestant with a significant Catholic minority
Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Rhode Island
Comparison | South Dakota | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | South Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | Brown University University of Rhode Island Rhode Island School of Design |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls) Explorer Elementary (Harrisburg) Pinedale Elementary (Rapid City) | Rockwell Elementary (Bristol) Nayatt School (Barrington) Community School (Cumberland) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings) Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls) Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls) | Barrington Middle School (Barrington) Gallagher Middle School (Smithfield) Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Brookings High School (Brookings) | Classical High School (Providence) Barrington High School (Barrington) East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich) |
Top 3 private high schools | O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls) Roncalli High School (Aberdeen) | Moses Brown School (Providence) St. George's School (Middletown) The Wheeler School (Providence) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | SF Lutheran School (Sioux Falls) Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown) Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen) | Moses Brown School (Providence) The Wheeler School (Providence) Lincoln School (Providence) |
Top 3 School Districts | Sioux Falls School District Brookings School District Harrisburg School District | Barrington School District East Greenwich Public Schools Cumberland School District |
How Much Do South Dakota to Rhode Island Movers Cost?
Moving 1,686 miles from South Dakota to Rhode Island 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
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Two Men and a Truck
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,158 | 300 ft3 | $7.19 |
1 Bedroom | $3,215 | 450 ft3 | $7.14 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,321 | 750 ft3 | $7.09 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,749 | 1100 ft3 | $7.04 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,191 | 1600 ft3 | $6.99 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,500 | 1800 ft3 | $6.94 |