Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to NJ
There are many factors that influence
South Dakota moving costs.
The cost to move from South Dakota to New Jersey 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 NJ
If you’re moving to New Jersey from South Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. New Jersey
|
South Dakota |
New Jersey |
| Average rent cost |
$878 |
$1,368 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$534,773 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$97,126 |
| Cost of Living Index |
100 |
114 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.4% |
6.6% |
| State Income Tax |
0.0% |
10.7% |
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Rent is about 56% more expensive in New Jersey than in South Dakota.
-
Home prices are about 74% higher in New Jersey than in South Dakota.
-
The average income is about 40% higher in New Jersey than in South Dakota.
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Cost of living is 14% lower in New Jersey than in South Dakota.
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New Jersey has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 147%.
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Sales taxes are 3% higher in New Jersey than in South Dakota.
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Income taxes are 11% higher in New Jersey than in South Dakota.
How life is different in New Jersey vs. South Dakota
|
New Jersey |
South Dakota |
| Population |
9,290,841 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-46.1 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
22ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
48" |
23" |
| Annual snow |
23" |
39" |
| Crime index |
16.2 |
21.14 |
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The population of New Jersey is approximately 911% greater than the population of South Dakota.
-
In the last presidential election, New Jersey voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in New Jersey is 85ºF
and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, New Jersey reaches the temperature of 22ºF
and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
-
You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in New Jersey versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
-
In New Jersey, it snows about 23 inches annually
versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
-
New Jersey has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index
of 16.2 vs. 21.14.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. New Jersey
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New Jersey compared to South Dakota.
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in New Jersey |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Robust job market |
Diversity |
| Low cost of living |
World-class entertainment |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Leading education |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Superb health care |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. New Jersey
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 New Jersey.
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in New Jersey |
| Extreme weather |
Extreme weather |
| Small-town mindset |
Congested population |
| Sparsely populated |
High cost of living |
| Strange and offensive laws |
High tax burden |
| Unpredictable weather |
Terrible traffic |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to New Jersey move
- Weather: New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
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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:
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies.
The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a New Jersey moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
New Jersey does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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 New Jersey.
Get started here.
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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 most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in New Jersey
While you’re in New Jersey, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Atlantic City and Boardwalk
- Ocean City
- Cape May
- Grounds for Sculpture
- Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Water Park
- Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari
- Battleship New Jersey
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park
- Liberty Science Center
- Adventure Aquarium
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
- Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park
- Liberty State Park
- High Point State Park
- Lucy the Elephant
- Paterson Great Falls
- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- Sterling Hill Mining Museum
- Island Beach State Park
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Garden State Discovery Museum
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to New Jersey?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to New Jersey?
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 New Jersey
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to New Jersey?
The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to New Jersey are the amazing upsides of living in New Jersey such as
bountiful recreational opportunities and diversity.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or New Jersey?
It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in New Jersey.
Housing
is much more affordable in South Dakota,
with average rent about 36% less
and home prices 43% lower than in New Jersey.
South Dakota has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New Jersey?
You should make approximately $44,219 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in New Jersey.
The cost of living in New Jersey is approximately $3,026 per month for an individual and $6,438 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in New Jersey you live
For example, larger cities like Trenton and Newark will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
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