Wisconsin to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota

ConsWisconsin

• Harsh winters
• Higher cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Higher taxes

ProsSouth Dakota

• Milder winters
• Lower living costs
• Less congestion
• No state income tax

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South Dakota

• Fewer cultural amenities
• Less seasonal diversity
• Limited job opportunities
• No large water bodies

Wisconsin

• Rich cultural scene
• Four distinct seasons
• Diverse job market
• Great lakes access

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to South Dakota with lower living costs
• Swap the heavy traffic of Wisconsin for less congestion in South Dakota
• Get ready for no state income tax in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural scene in Wisconsin to live with fewer cultural amenities in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of four distinct seasons and have to settle for the con of less seasonal diversity
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse job market and get used to limited job opportunities in South Dakota
• Swap great lakes access for no large water bodies

Wisconsin vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Pasty they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Stew of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and Culver's. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Josiah’s Coffeehouse, Café and Bakery, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and South Dakota

• The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside properties and energy efficiency, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like big yards and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Wisconsin.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
• South Dakota housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
• Rent in South Dakota is 4.79% more affordable than in Wisconsin.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 13% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe winters and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Wisconsin.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and South Dakota

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

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. South Dakota

• Wisconsin tends to lean moderate swing state, leaning slightly Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican, especially in statewide and national elections
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a notable Evangelical Christian following
• Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majorly Christian with a significant Roman Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota

How Much Do Wisconsin to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 597 miles from Wisconsin to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.