Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to MAtoggle

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

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Massachusetts

South Dakota Massachusetts
Average rent cost $878 $1,588
Average home cost $306,944 $623,131
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $96,505
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 1.9% 3.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 6.25%
State Income Tax 0.0% 9.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 81% more expensive in Massachusetts than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 103% higher in Massachusetts than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 39% higher in Massachusetts than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Massachusetts and South Dakota.
  • Massachusetts has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 105%.
  • Sales taxes are 2% lower in Massachusetts than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 9% higher in Massachusetts than in South Dakota.

How life is different in Massachusetts vs. South Dakota

Massachusetts South Dakota
Population 7,001,399 919,318
Political leaning Democratic 61.5-36.3 Republican 63-37
Summer high 82ºF 85ºF
Winter low 16ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 49" 23"
Annual snow 47" 39"
Crime index 13.92 21.14
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Massachusetts is approximately 662% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Massachusetts voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Massachusetts is 82ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Massachusetts reaches the temperature of 16ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 49 inches of annual rainfall in Massachusetts versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Massachusetts, it snows about 47 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Massachusetts has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 13.92 vs. 21.14.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Massachusetts

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

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Massachusetts
Outstanding tax benefits Natural beauty
Robust job market Excellent education system
Low cost of living Delicious seafood
Beautiful rural landscapes Bountiful recreational opportunities
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Home to Boston

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Massachusetts
Extreme weather Bad traffic
Small-town mindset Poor driving conditions
Sparsely populated Harsh winter weather
Strange and offensive laws High cost of living
Unpredictable weather Peculiar liquor laws

Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Massachusetts movetoggle

  • Weather: Most of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Far southeast coastal areas are the broad transition zone to Humid Subtropical climates. The warm to hot summers render the oceanic climate rare in this transition, only applying to exposed coastal areas such as on the peninsula of Barnstable County. The climate of Boston is quite representative for the commonwealth, characterized by summer highs of around 81 °F (27 °C) and winter highs of 35 °F (2 °C), and is quite wet. Frosts are frequent all winter, even in coastal areas due to prevailing inland winds. Due to its location near the Atlantic, Massachusetts is vulnerable to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
  • 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. 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 Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore 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 Massachusettstoggle

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

  • 1: Freedom Trail
  • 2: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  • 3: Norman Rockwell Museum
  • 4: Cape Cod Beaches
  • 5: Fenway Park
  • 6: Nantucket
  • 7: Tanglewood Concerts
  • 8: Plimoth Patuxet Museums
  • 9: Old Sturbridge Village
  • 10: Salem Witch Museum
  • 11: Museum of Fine Arts
  • 12: Peabody Essex Museum
  • 13: The House of the Seven Gables
  • 14: New Bedford Whaling Museum
  • 15: New England Aquarium
  • 16: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  • 17: Massachusetts State House
  • 18: Harvard Square
  • 19: Bunker Hill Monument
  • 20: Adams National Historical Park
  • 21: Minute Man National Historical Park
  • 22: Martha’s Vineyard
  • 23: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • 24: Hammond Castle Museum
  • 25: Mount Greylock
  • 26: Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
  • 27: The Mapparium
  • 28: Danvers State Hospital
  • 29: Bash Bish Falls
  • 30: Singing Beach
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Massachusetts are the amazing upsides of living in Massachusetts such as natural beauty and excellent education system.

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

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in Massachusetts. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 45% less and home prices 51% lower than in Massachusetts. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $78,378 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Massachusetts. The cost of living in Massachusetts is approximately $4,255 per month for an individual and $9,816 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Massachusetts you live For example, larger cities like Boston and Worcester will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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