Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to SD
There are many factors that influence
Kentucky moving costs.
The cost to move from Kentucky to South Dakota will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Kentucky is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from KY to SD
If you’re moving to South Dakota from Kentucky, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. South Dakota
|
Kentucky |
South Dakota |
| Average rent cost |
$902 |
$878 |
| Average home cost |
$212,088 |
$306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$60,183 |
$69,457 |
| Cost of Living Index |
93 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.0% |
1.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.0% |
6.4% |
| State Income Tax |
4.0% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 3% less expensive in South Dakota than in Kentucky.
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Home prices are about 45% higher in South Dakota than in Kentucky.
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The average income is about 15% higher in South Dakota than in Kentucky.
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Cost of living is 8% lower in South Dakota than in Kentucky.
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South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than Kentucky by about 62%.
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Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Dakota than in Kentucky.
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South Dakota has no income tax.
How life is different in South Dakota vs. Kentucky
|
South Dakota |
Kentucky |
| Population |
919,318 |
4,526,154 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 63-37 |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
7ºF |
24ºF |
| Annual rain |
23" |
48" |
| Annual snow |
39" |
11" |
| Crime index |
21.14 |
16.63 |
-
The population of South Dakota is approximately 80% lower than the population of Kentucky.
-
In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican and Kentucky voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in South Dakota is 85ºF
and in Kentucky, it’s 87ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota reaches the temperature of 7ºF
and Kentucky gets down to 24ºF.
-
You can expect about 23 inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota versus 48 inches of rainfall in Kentucky.
-
In South Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually
versus 11 inches of snow in Kentucky.
-
South Dakota has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index
of 21.14 vs. 16.63.
Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. South Dakota
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in South Dakota compared to Kentucky.
| Pros of living in Kentucky |
Pros of living in South Dakota |
| Low cost of living |
Outstanding tax benefits |
| Abundant outdoor adventures |
Robust job market |
| Delicious food and drink |
Low cost of living |
| Horse racing |
Beautiful rural landscapes |
| Four season weather |
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. South Dakota
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Kentucky for South Dakota.
| Cons of living in Kentucky |
Cons of living in South Dakota |
| Extreme weather |
Extreme weather |
| Low diversity |
Small-town mindset |
| Poor air quality |
Sparsely populated |
| Poor infrastructure |
Strange and offensive laws |
| Poor education system |
Unpredictable weather |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to South Dakota move
- Weather: In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
State licensing:
Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a South Dakota moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
South Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Dakota.
Get started here.
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Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in South Dakota
While you’re in South Dakota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Mitchell Corn Palace
- Black Hills National Forest
- Badlands National Park
- Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
- Wind Cave National Park
- National Music Museum
- Sioux Falls Park
- Spearfish Canyon
- Deadwood
- South Dakota Air and Space Museum
- Sylvan Lake
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Good Earth State Park
- Ingalls Homestead
- Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
- Children’s Museum of South Dakota
- Old Courthouse Museum
- Bear Butte State Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to South Dakota?
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to South Dakota?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Kentucky to South Dakota
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to South Dakota?
The main reasons people are moving from Kentucky to South Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in South Dakota such as
outstanding tax benefits and robust job market.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or South Dakota?
It is generally cheaper to live in Kentucky than in South Dakota.
Housing
is much more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 3% less
and home prices 31% lower than in South Dakota.
South Dakota has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Dakota?
You should make approximately $62,125 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in South Dakota.
The cost of living in South Dakota is approximately $2,497 per month for an individual and $5,637 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in South Dakota you live
For example, larger cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Best overall value
