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Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Tucson, AZ
Cost of living: South Dakota vs Tucson, AZ
| South Dakota | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $1,295 |
| Average home value | $306,944 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $61,749 |
| Unemployment rate | 2% | 7% |
| State income tax | 0% | 3% |
Tucson sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 47% more expensive in Tucson than in South Dakota.
- Home prices are about 7% higher in Tucson than in South Dakota.
- The average income is about 11% lower in Tucson than in South Dakota.
- Tucson has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 289%.
- Income taxes are 3% higher in Tucson than in South Dakota.
How life is different in Tucson from South Dakota
| Tucson | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 101ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 23" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 39" |
| Crime index | 54.43 | 21.14 |
Tucson sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Tucson is approximately 41% lower than the population of South Dakota.
- In the last presidential election, Tucson voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Tucson is 101ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Tucson reaches the temperature of 38ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Tucson vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
- In Tucson, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
- Tucson has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 54.43 vs 21.14.
Things to do in Tucson
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Tucson.
Museums in Tucson
Parks in Tucson
Sports Teams in Tucson
Universities in Tucson
Other considerations when moving to Tucson, AZ
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- 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. Tucson, AZ
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Tucson, 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 Tucson side-by-side.
| Pros of living in South Dakota | Pros of living in Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|
| Outstanding tax benefits | Beautiful nature |
| Robust job market | Renowned cuisine |
| Low cost of living | Low cost of living |
| Beautiful rural landscapes | Mild winter |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities | Bountiful outdoor activities |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Tucson, AZ:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Tucson.
| Cons of living in South Dakota | Cons of living in Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | High crime rate |
| Small-town mindset | Low economic opportunity |
| Sparsely populated | Hot summers |
| Strange and offensive laws | Deadly wildlife |
| Unpredictable weather | Widespread drug problems |
FAQ
How long does a move from South Dakota to Tucson take?
The time frame for a move from South Dakota to Tucson, 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 Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson?
Because of the 1356-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ?
With the summer highs of 101ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Tucson 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 Tucson during summer or winter.
