Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota to California 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 South 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 SD to CA

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. California

South Dakota California
Average rent cost $878 $1,856
Average home cost $306,944 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 100 134
Unemployment rate 1.9% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 8.68%
State Income Tax 0.0% 13.3%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 111% more expensive in California than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 151% higher in California than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 32% higher in California than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 34% lower in California than in South Dakota.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 184%.
  • Sales taxes are 36% higher in California than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 13% higher in California than in South Dakota.

How life is different in California vs. South Dakota

California South Dakota
Population 39,029,342 919,318
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Republican 63-37
Summer high 87ºF 85ºF
Winter low 59ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 22" 23"
Annual snow 7" 39"
Crime index 28.43 21.14
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of California is approximately 4,145% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • California has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 21.14.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to South Dakota.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in California
Outstanding tax benefits Ample economic opportunity
Robust job market Pleasant weather
Low cost of living Abundant recreational options
Beautiful rural landscapes High quality of life
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. California

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 South Dakota for California.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in California
Extreme weather High cost of living
Small-town mindset Heavy tax burdens
Sparsely populated Natural disasters
Strange and offensive laws Terrible traffic
Unpredictable weather Strange laws

Other things to consider for your South Dakota to California movetoggle

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California 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 California. 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

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

Hiring a full-service South 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 South Dakota to California?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 South Dakota to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in California. Housing is much more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 53% less and home prices 60% lower than in California. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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