Family owned
Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Columbus, OH
Cost of living: South Dakota vs Columbus, OH
| South Dakota | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $1,441 |
| Average home value | $306,944 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $65,075 |
| Unemployment rate | 2% | 6% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4% |
Columbus sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 64% more expensive in Columbus than in South Dakota.
- Home prices are about 22% lower in Columbus than in South Dakota.
- The average income is about 6% lower in Columbus than in South Dakota.
- Columbus has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 200%.
- Income taxes are 4% higher in Columbus than in South Dakota.
How life is different in Columbus from South Dakota
| Columbus | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-14 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 23" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 39" |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 21.14 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Columbus is approximately 1% lower than the population of South Dakota.
- In the last presidential election, Columbus voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Columbus is 85ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Columbus reaches the temperature of 21ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Columbus vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
- In Columbus, it snows about 22 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
- Columbus has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 49.65 vs 21.14.
Things to do in Columbus
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbus.
Museums in Columbus
Parks in Columbus
Sports Teams in Columbus
Universities in Columbus
Other considerations when moving to Columbus, OH
- Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
- 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Ohio 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Ohio. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of South Dakota vs. Columbus, OH
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Columbus, OH:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in South Dakota vs Columbus side-by-side.
| Pros of living in South Dakota | Pros of living in Columbus, OH |
|---|---|
| Outstanding tax benefits | Low cost of living |
| Robust job market | Delicious food |
| Low cost of living | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes | Friendly people |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities | Ample economic opportunity |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Columbus, OH:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Columbus.
| Cons of living in South Dakota | Cons of living in Columbus, OH |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | Bad drivers |
| Small-town mindset | Terrible traffic |
| Sparsely populated | Bad weather |
| Strange and offensive laws | High taxes |
| Unpredictable weather | Limited public transportation |
FAQ
How long does a move from South Dakota to Columbus take?
The time frame for a move from South Dakota to Columbus, OH, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Dakota, the longer the drive time to Columbus will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Columbus from South Dakota can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Dakota to Columbus?
Because of the 1094-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Columbus as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus, OH?
With the summer highs of 85ºF and the winter lows of 21ºF, most people move to Columbus from South Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Columbus during summer or winter.
