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South Dakota to Wyoming Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 497 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Wyoming? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Wyoming across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs lighter snowfalls), food & health (like Chislic vs Bison Steak), real estate & housing (ranch vs mountain rustic), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Pheasant, but get your taste buds ready for Bison Steak & Elk Meatloaf
  • Wyoming housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Wyoming is 7.67% more affordable than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Wyoming will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Wyoming movers is Teton Movers LLC

South Dakota to Wyoming Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Wyoming

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Low population density
  • Few entertainment options
  • Flat landscapes
ProsWyoming iconWyoming
  • Lighter snowfalls
  • Diverse employment
  • Lively communities
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Mountainous terrain

Wyoming iconWyoming
  • Higher living costs
  • Less hospitable regions
  • Busy tourist areas
  • Fewer landmarks
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Friendly communities
  • Rural tranquility
  • Historical sites

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Wyoming

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to lighter snowfalls
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Wyoming with diverse employment
  • Swap the low population density of South Dakota for lively communities in Wyoming
  • Get ready for a vibrant cultural scene in Wyoming

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Wyoming

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Wyoming
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of less hospitable regions
  • Time to bid farewell to rural tranquility and get used to busy tourist areas in Wyoming
  • Swap historical sites for fewer landmarks

South Dakota vs. Wyoming: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaWyoming
Most iconic local food itemChislicBison Steak
Most popular meat dishPheasantElk Meatloaf
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosBuffalo Burgers
Most popular vegan foodLentil StewQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • King's Saddlery
  • Teton Kitchen
  • Lotus Cafe
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 Wyoming, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Bison Steak of Wyoming. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Wyoming residents know they have tasty Elk Meatloaf and Buffalo Burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Wyoming. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Carnaval Brazilian Grill, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Wyoming, don't wait too long before making your way to Wyoming's acclaimed eateries like King's Saddlery, Teton Kitchen, and Lotus Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Wyoming

ComparisonSouth DakotaWyoming
Typical Architecture StyleRanchMountain Rustic
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, proximity to parksViews, natural surroundings
  • The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Mountain Rustic architecture typical of Wyoming.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to parks, Wyoming real estate listings often highlight features like views and natural surroundings.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wyoming is less walkable than South Dakota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Wyoming is less bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Wyoming has less of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Wyoming housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $340,933 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wyoming have increased by 40% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Wyoming is 7.67% more affordable than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaWyoming
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, TornadoesBlizzards, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 62Β°F80Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F / 10Β°F32Β°F / 15Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30"12.5"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)41"70"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to Wyoming. Wyoming gets 1% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Wyoming 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 blizzards and wildfires in Wyoming.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wyoming is 5 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wyoming. Wyoming receives 17.5 fewer inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Wyoming

ComparisonSouth DakotaWyoming
Avg. Household Income$69,728$70,042
Cost of Living Index94.198.75
State Income Tax0%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.32%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%4%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, ManufacturingMining, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowLow

    Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Wyoming

    ComparisonSouth DakotaWyoming
    Political Make-upLean RepublicanStrongly Republican
    Local PoliticsModerate local governance in urban areasConservative local governance
    ReligionProtestant, CatholicProtestant, Catholic
    • South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
    • Wyoming, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
    • Wyoming's religious environment can be described as Protestant and Catholic
    • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

    Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Wyoming

    ComparisonSouth DakotaWyoming
    Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)South Dakota State University
    University of South Dakota
    Dakota State University
    University of Wyoming
    Wyoming Technical Institute
    Laramie County Community College
    Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center (Sioux Falls)
    Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
    Rosa Parks Elementary (Sioux Falls)
    Poison Spider School (Casper)
    Woodland Park Elementary (Sheridan)
    Alta Vista Elementary (Cheyenne)
    Top 3 Middle SchoolsPatrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
    Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
    Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls)
    Cody Middle School (Cody)
    McCormick Junior High (Cheyenne)
    Sage Valley Junior High (Gillette)
    Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
    Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
    Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
    Laramie High School (Laramie)
    Sheridan High School (Sheridan)
    Central High School (Cheyenne)
    Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
    Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
    Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
    Jackson Hole Community School (Jackson)
    St. Stephens Indian School (St. Stephens)
    Wyoming Catholic College (Lander)
    Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
    Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
    Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
    Jackson Hole Classical Academy (Jackson)
    Trinity Teen Solutions (Powell)
    Cheyenne Classical Academy (Cheyenne)
    Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
    Harrisburg School District
    Brandon Valley School District
    Laramie County School District #1
    Sheridan County School District #2
    Albany County School District #1

    How Much Do South Dakota to Wyoming Movers Cost?

    Moving 497 miles from South Dakota to Wyoming will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

    • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
    • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Teton Movers LLC
    HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
    Studio$1,484300 ft3$4.95
    1 Bedroom$2,204450 ft3$4.90
    2 Bedrooms$3,636750 ft3$4.85
    3 Bedrooms$5,2771100 ft3$4.80
    4 Bedrooms$7,5961600 ft3$4.75
    5+ Bedrooms$8,4551800 ft3$4.70

    Top South Dakota to Wyoming Movers

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

    TOP PICK
    Teton Movers LLC

    Teton Movers LLC

    Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Wyoming

    9.29/10
    ExceptionalView details
    RUNNER-UP
    Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

    Dial-A-Move Inc.

    8.94/10
    ALSO GREAT
    Two Men and a Truck featured image

    Two Men and a Truck

    8.92/10
    Top South Dakota to Wyoming Routes

    Sioux Falls to Wyoming