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Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Phoenix, AZ
Cost of living: South Dakota vs Phoenix, AZ
| South Dakota | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $306,944 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $64,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 2% | 7% |
| State income tax | 0% | 3% |
Phoenix sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 93% more expensive in Phoenix than in South Dakota.
- Home prices are about 34% higher in Phoenix than in South Dakota.
- The average income is about 7% lower in Phoenix than in South Dakota.
- Phoenix has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 247%.
- Income taxes are 3% higher in Phoenix than in South Dakota.
How life is different in Phoenix from South Dakota
| Phoenix | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 105ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 23" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 39" |
| Crime index | 53.06 | 21.14 |
Phoenix sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Phoenix is approximately 75% greater than the population of South Dakota.
- In the last presidential election, Phoenix voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Phoenix is 105ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Phoenix reaches the temperature of 43ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 9 inches of annual rainfall in Phoenix vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
- In Phoenix, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
- Phoenix has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 53.06 vs 21.14.
Things to do in Phoenix
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Phoenix.
Museums in Phoenix
Parks in Phoenix
Sports Teams in Phoenix
Universities in Phoenix
Other considerations when moving to Phoenix, AZ
- Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Arizona 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of South Dakota vs. Phoenix, AZ
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Phoenix, AZ:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in South Dakota vs Phoenix side-by-side.
| Pros of living in South Dakota | Pros of living in Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|
| Outstanding tax benefits | Beautiful nature |
| Robust job market | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Low cost of living | Ample economic activity |
| Beautiful rural landscapes | Low cost of living |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities | Delectable food |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Phoenix, AZ:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Phoenix.
| Cons of living in South Dakota | Cons of living in Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | Extreme weather |
| Small-town mindset | Tourists |
| Sparsely populated | Limited public transportation |
| Strange and offensive laws | Hot summers |
| Unpredictable weather | Poor education |
FAQ
How long does a move from South Dakota to Phoenix take?
The time frame for a move from South Dakota to Phoenix, AZ, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Dakota, the longer the drive time to Phoenix will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Phoenix from South Dakota can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Dakota to Phoenix?
Because of the 1322-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Phoenix as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Phoenix, AZ?
With the summer highs of 105ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Phoenix from South Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Phoenix during summer or winter.
