Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to NM
There are many factors that influence
South Dakota moving costs.
The cost to move from South Dakota to New Mexico will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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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 NM
If you’re moving to New Mexico from South Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. New Mexico
|
South Dakota |
New Mexico |
| Average rent cost |
$878 |
$966 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$303,910 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$58,722 |
| Cost of Living Index |
100 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.4% |
7.61% |
| State Income Tax |
0.0% |
5.9% |
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Rent is about 10% more expensive in New Mexico than in South Dakota.
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Home prices are about the same in New Mexico and South Dakota.
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The average income is about 15% lower in New Mexico than in South Dakota.
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Cost of living is 6% lower in New Mexico than in South Dakota.
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New Mexico has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 53%.
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Sales taxes are 19% higher in New Mexico than in South Dakota.
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Income taxes are 6% higher in New Mexico than in South Dakota.
How life is different in New Mexico vs. South Dakota
|
New Mexico |
South Dakota |
| Population |
2,113,344 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 51.9-45.9 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
15" |
23" |
| Annual snow |
24" |
39" |
| Crime index |
38.81 |
21.14 |
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The population of New Mexico is approximately 130% greater than the population of South Dakota.
-
In the last presidential election, New Mexico voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in New Mexico is 88ºF
and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, New Mexico reaches the temperature of 20ºF
and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
-
You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in New Mexico versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
-
In New Mexico, it snows about 24 inches annually
versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
-
New Mexico has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index
of 38.81 vs. 21.14.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. New Mexico
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New Mexico compared to South Dakota.
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in New Mexico |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Robust job market |
Rich culture |
| Low cost of living |
Delicious food and wine |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Low cost of living |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Abundant outdoor activities |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. New Mexico
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 Mexico.
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in New Mexico |
| Extreme weather |
Bad roads |
| Small-town mindset |
Lackluster economy |
| Sparsely populated |
Scarce job opportunity |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Slow life |
| Unpredictable weather |
High crime rate |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to New Mexico move
- Weather: New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
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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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
State licensing:
Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a New Mexico moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
New Mexico 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 Mexico.
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.
Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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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 Mexico
While you’re in New Mexico, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- 1: White Sands National Park
- 2: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- 3: Bandelier National Monument
- 4: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
- 5: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- 6: Chaco Culture National Historical Park
- 7: New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
- 8: Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway
- 9: Loretto Chapel
- 10: Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway
- 11: Petroglyph National Monument
- 12: Taos Pueblo
- 13: Santa Rosa Blue Hole
- 14: Pecos National Historical Park
- 15: Very Large Array
- 16: Billy the Kid Museum
- 17: Wheeler Peak Wilderness
- 18: International UFO Museum and Research Center
- 19: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
- 20: Four Corners Monument
- 21: Cliff’s Amusement Park
- 22: Ghost Ranch
- 23: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
- 24: Meow Wolf
- 25: Wildlife West Nature Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to New Mexico?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to New Mexico?
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 Mexico
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to New Mexico?
The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to New Mexico are the amazing upsides of living in New Mexico such as
beautiful landscapes and rich culture.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or New Mexico?
It is generally cheaper to live in New Mexico than in South Dakota.
Housing
South Dakota has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New Mexico?
You should make approximately $58,340 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in New Mexico.
The cost of living in New Mexico is approximately $2,435 per month for an individual and $5,557 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in New Mexico you live
For example, larger cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
Best overall value
