Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to MStoggle

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

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Mississippi

South Dakota Mississippi
Average rent cost $878 $896
Average home cost $306,944 $181,313
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $68,505
Cost of Living Index 100 85
Unemployment rate 1.9% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 7.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 4.7%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 2% more expensive in Mississippi than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 41% lower in Mississippi than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 1% lower in Mississippi than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 15% lower in Mississippi than in South Dakota.
  • Mississippi has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 53%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% higher in Mississippi than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 5% higher in Mississippi than in South Dakota.

How life is different in Mississippi vs. South Dakota

Mississippi South Dakota
Population 10,037,261 919,318
Political leaning Republican 60.9-38 Republican 63-37
Summer high 91ºF 85ºF
Winter low 33ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 57" 23"
Annual snow 1" 39"
Crime index 19.92 21.14
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Mississippi is approximately 992% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Mississippi voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Mississippi is 91ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Mississippi reaches the temperature of 33ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 57 inches of annual rainfall in Mississippi versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Mississippi, it snows about 1 inch annually versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Mississippi has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 19.92 vs. 21.14.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Mississippi

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

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Mississippi
Outstanding tax benefits Southern hospitality
Robust job market Delicious comfort food
Low cost of living Mild winters
Beautiful rural landscapes Low cost of living
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Nice beaches

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Mississippi

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 Mississippi.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Mississippi
Extreme weather Extreme weather
Small-town mindset Lackluster economy
Sparsely populated Low diversity
Strange and offensive laws Poor healthcare
Unpredictable weather Political homogeneity

Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Mississippi movetoggle

  • Weather: Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature varies little statewide in the summer; however, in winter, the region near Mississippi Sound is significantly warmer than the inland portion of the state. The late summer and fall is the seasonal period of risk for hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico, especially in the southern part of the state. As in the rest of the Deep South, thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state. On average, Mississippi has around 27 tornadoes annually; the northern part of the state has more tornadoes earlier in the year and the southern part has a higher frequency later in the year. If you are planning your move during the summertime be sure to check your local weather station.
  • 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: Like in many other states, movers in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). When considering hiring a local mover, you’ll want to check that they have an up-to-date MSPC Number. If they do, it means that they’re authorized to move household goods within the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Mississippi moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Mississippi 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 Mississippi. 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. Released Value Protection is the cost-free choice provided by movers, but it offers minimal coverage. Movers are only responsible for up to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items, consider exploring alternative options with your chosen moving company or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Mississippitoggle

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

  • 1: Vicksburg National Military Park
  • 2: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
  • 3: Natchez Trace Parkway
  • 4: Gulf Coast Beaches & Water Activities
  • 5: Jackson Zoological Park
  • 6: Gulf Islands Waterpark
  • 7: Elvis Presley's Birthplace
  • 8: Tupelo National Battlefield
  • 9: Marine Life Oceanarium
  • 10: Riley Center
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Mississippi are the amazing upsides of living in Mississippi such as southern hospitality and delicious comfort food.

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

It is generally cheaper to live in Mississippi than in South Dakota. Housing is much more affordable in Mississippi, with average rent about 2% less and home prices 40.9% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $51,946 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Mississippi. The cost of living in Mississippi is approximately $2,364 per month for an individual and $5,375 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Mississippi you live For example, larger cities like Jackson and Gulfport will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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