Utah to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Utah to South Dakota

ConsUtah

• High cost of living
• Dense urban areas
• Heavy traffic
• Expensive utility costs
• High sales taxes

ProsSouth Dakota

• Affordable housing
• Spacious open land
• Smooth commutes
• Lower utility bills
• No state income tax

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South Dakota

• Fewer outdoor activities
• Lesser diversity
• Limited tech jobs
• Fewer restaurants
• Quieter lifestyle

Utah

• Adventure sports
• Diverse culture
• Proximity to tech hubs
• Varied dining options
• Vibrant city life

Pros of moving from Utah to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from dense urban areas and moving to South Dakota with spacious open land
• Swap the heavy traffic of Utah for smooth commutes in South Dakota
• Get ready for lower utility bills in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Utah to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from adventure sports in Utah to live with fewer outdoor activities in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle with the con of lesser diversity
• Time to bid farewell to proximity to tech hubs and get used to limited tech jobs in South Dakota
• Swap varied dining options for fewer restaurants

Utah vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Utah to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Fry Sauce of Utah for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Utah rave about their flavorful Utah Scones with Honey Butter and sumptuous Navajo Taco, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Mormon Funeral Potatoes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Bison Chili (Vegan Version) of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Utah eateries like The Roof Restaurant, Red Iguana, and Ruth's Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Minervas, Wall Drug Cafe, and Cattleman's Club Steakhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Utah and South Dakota

• The Mountain Rustic and Modern architecture that Utah is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Utah's real estate listings that commonly reference views and proximity to outdoor recreation, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious land and quiet neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Utah.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Utah.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Utah.
• South Dakota housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in Utah, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Utah’s $519,182.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased 48% compared to a 56% increase in Utah.
• Rent in South Dakota is 29.31% more affordable than in Utah.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Utah to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Utah.
• South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Utah.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Utah, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is the same as in Utah.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Utah.
• Your umbrella might be overworked more in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Utah.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Utah and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 22% less than in Utah
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Utah
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is modest compared to moderate in Utah
• The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to low in Utah
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Utah and very low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Utah vs. South Dakota

• Utah tends to lean primarily Republican in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a significant Catholic minority
• Utah's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely LDS (Mormon)

Education Guide When Moving from Utah to South Dakota

How Much Do Utah to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 938 miles from Utah to South Dakota 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.