Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to INtoggle

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota to Indiana 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 IN

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Indiana

South Dakota Indiana
Average rent cost $878 $844
Average home cost $306,944 $228,879
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $67,173
Cost of Living Index 100 91
Unemployment rate 1.9% 3.6%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 7.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 3.15%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 4% less expensive in Indiana than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 25% lower in Indiana than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 3% lower in Indiana than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 9% lower in Indiana than in South Dakota.
  • Indiana has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 89%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% higher in Indiana than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 3% higher in Indiana than in South Dakota.

How life is different in Indiana vs. South Dakota

Indiana South Dakota
Population 6,833,037 919,318
Political leaning Republican 57-41 Republican 63-37
Summer high 85ºF 85ºF
Winter low 19ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 43" 23"
Annual snow 22" 39"
Crime index 19.72 21.14
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Indiana is approximately 643% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Indiana voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Indiana is 85ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Indiana reaches the temperature of 19ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Indiana versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Indiana, it snows about 22 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Indiana has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 19.72 vs. 21.14.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Indiana

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

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Indiana
Outstanding tax benefits Low cost of living
Robust job market Amiable people
Low cost of living Excellent universities
Beautiful rural landscapes Diverse economies
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Water recreation

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Indiana

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 Indiana.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Indiana
Extreme weather Cold and snowy winters
Small-town mindset Low diversity
Sparsely populated Limited recreational activities
Strange and offensive laws Limited public transportation
Unpredictable weather Air pollution

Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Indiana movetoggle

  • Weather: In the past, most of Indiana had cold winters and hot, wet summers. Only the very bottom of the state had a different climate with more rain. But currently, about half of Indiana now has that rainier climate. The temperatures are different in the northern and southern parts of the state.
  • 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: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Indiana 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 Indiana. 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 budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company 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.

Things to do in Indianatoggle

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

  • 1: Indianapolis Zoo
  • 2: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • 3: Indianapolis Children's Museum
  • 4: Holiday World & Splashin Safari
  • 5: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art
  • 6: White River State Park
  • 7: Lucas Oil Stadium
  • 8: Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
  • 9: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
  • 10: Marengo Cave National Landmark
  • 11: Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
  • 12: Brown County State Park
  • 13: Turkey Run State Park
  • 14: Indiana Dunes State Park
  • 15: Snite Museum of Art
  • 16: Studebaker National Museum
  • 17: Antique Alley
  • 18: University of Notre Dame
  • 19: Wellfield Botanic Gardens
  • 20: Indiana State Capitol
  • 21: Santa Claus Museum & Village
  • 22: Oliver Winery
  • 23: Monroe Lake
  • 24: Spring Mill State Park
  • 25: Indianapolis City Market
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Indiana?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 Indiana?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 Indiana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Indiana are the amazing upsides of living in Indiana such as low cost of living and amiable people.

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

It is generally cheaper to live in Indiana than in South Dakota. Housing is much more affordable in Indiana, with average rent about 4% less and home prices 25.4% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $56,544 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Indiana. The cost of living in Indiana is approximately $2,702 per month for an individual and $4,909 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Indiana you live For example, larger cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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