Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to SDtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 ND to SD

If you’re moving to South Dakota from North Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. South Dakota

North Dakota South Dakota
Average rent cost $912 $878
Average home cost $263,410 $306,944
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $69,457
Cost of Living Index 96 100
Unemployment rate 2.4% 1.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 6.4%
State Income Tax 2.9% 0.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 4% less expensive in South Dakota than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 17% higher in South Dakota than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 6% lower in South Dakota than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in South Dakota than in North Dakota.
  • South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 21%.
  • Sales taxes are 8% lower in South Dakota than in North Dakota.
  • South Dakota has no income tax.

How life is different in South Dakota vs. North Dakota

South Dakota North Dakota
Population 919,318 783,926
Political leaning Republican 63-37 Republican 68-32
Summer high 85ºF 82ºF
Winter low 7ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 23" 19"
Annual snow 39" 39"
Crime index 21.14 22.74
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of South Dakota is approximately 17% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Dakota is 85ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota reaches the temperature of 7ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 23 inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In South Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • South Dakota has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 21.14 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota 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 North Dakota.

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in South Dakota
Ample economic opportunity Outstanding tax benefits
Peaceful rural life Robust job market
Affordable living costs Low cost of living
High-quality education opportunities Beautiful rural landscapes
Open rural spaces Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota 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 North Dakota for South Dakota.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in South Dakota
Long and cold winters Extreme weather
Lack of diversity Small-town mindset
Housing shortages Sparsely populated
Small populations Strange and offensive laws
Relaxed lifestyle Unpredictable weather

Other things to consider for your North Dakota to South Dakota movetoggle

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Moving permits: South Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in South Dakotatoggle

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
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to South Dakota?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Dakota moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from North Dakota to South Dakota?toggle

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 North Dakota to South Dakota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from North Dakota to South Dakota?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota 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 North Dakota or South Dakota?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in South Dakota. Housing is more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 4% less and home prices 14% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Dakota?toggle

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.

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