Best California to South Dakota Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from California to South Dakota marks an exhilarating chapter in your life, offering a unique blend of adventure and change. From the sun-kissed beaches and bustling cities of the Golden State to the rugged beauty and tight-knit communities of the Mount Rushmore State, you're about to trade one iconic landscape for another. Understanding the importance of this journey, we stress the necessity of selecting trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your transition is as seamless as the vast plains of South Dakota.
Best California to South Dakota Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best California Movers | 9.52 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Dial-A-Move Inc. | 8.94 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 8.91 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from South Dakota to California guide.
6 Best CA to SD Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Dial-A-Move Inc.
Family-run Dial-A-Move is a professional moving company incorporated in 2001. It has a location in Aberdeen, SD, offering a wide range of af...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving options
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Two Men and a Truck
Launched in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck serves residential and commercial customers all over the country. The company opened its Sioux Fa...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Junk removal
- Storage
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to South Dakota
Moving from one state to another is a major decision involving various factors. This guide compares moving from California to South Dakota , to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through these charts, we aim to bring clarity on how this move might affect your daily living, by directly comparing the cons and pros.
California- High Cost of Living
- Heavy Traffic
- Dense Population
- State Taxes
- Earthquakes
South Dakota- Lower Cost of Living
- Less Traffic
- Lower Population Density
- No State Income Tax
- More Stable Geology
South Dakota- Fewer Natural Attractions
- Less Diversity
- Fewer Job Opportunities
- Quieter, Rural Lifestyle
- Seasonal Produce
California- Beaches & Sun
- Diverse Culture
- Major Tech Hubs
- Vibrant Cities
- Year-round Produce
Moving from California to South Dakota represents a significant change in lifestyle. In California, you might be used to the convenience and vibrancy of cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, with their plentiful neighborhood parks, renowned restaurants like Gjelina in Venice Beach, and iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge. On the other hand, South Dakota offers a more tranquil way of life, highlighted by the stunning natural beauty of places like the Black Hills and the Badlands. The cost of living is significantly lower, and you may find yourself relishing the peace of quieter, rural communities such as Spearfish or Yankton. While you might miss California's beaches and year-round produce, South Dakota's unique landscape and community-focused lifestyle offer a completely different, but equally rewarding, way of life.
California vs. South Dakota Food Guide
Food not only nourishes us but also gives us a deep dive into the local culture and what daily life is like in different areas. In this guide, we'll explore the gastronomic differences to help you adapt faster to your new home. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & South Dakota , aiming to provide a well-rounded view of what each state brings to the table.
| California | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Chislic |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip BBQ | Pheasant |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Indian Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Bison Berry Pi |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from California to South Dakota, you’ll notice significant changes in the food scene. In California, the abundance of fresh produce significantly influences the variety of vegan options available, making cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco a haven for plant-based eaters. The presence of food trucks and a high fitness consciousness add to its vibrant foodie scene. In contrast, South Dakota offers a more meat-centric cuisine with dishes like Chislic and Pheasant featuring prominently. The state's iconic food item, Chislic – cubed red meat on a skewer, can be found in local bars and restaurants throughout including the popular Falls Landing Restaurant in Sioux Falls. Although South Dakota’s food scene may seem quieter, it holds a rich culinary tradition ready to be explored.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. South Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial element of any relocation. Understanding how California and South Dakota compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle features helps in making an informed decision. This comparison aims to outline the key differences and amenities you might expect in each state.
| Comparison | California | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish, Modern | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, Eco-friendly features | Large land plots, Privacy |
When moving from California to South Dakota, you'll find the housing market vastly different. The median home price is significantly lower in South Dakota, making homeownership more accessible. The architecture styles also reflect the regional influences, with California favoring modern and Spanish designs, while South Dakota homes often feature ranch or craftsman styles. Although South Dakota may offer less in terms of walkability and urban lifestyle compared to California, it makes up for it with larger land plots and a greater sense of privacy, something highly valued in real estate listings. This contrast offers a unique set of living conditions that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
California vs. South Dakota Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one region to another, it’s critical to understand how the weather in California and South Dakota will impact your daily life. This comparison aims to clarify the weather differences to help you prepare for your new environment.
California
South Dakota
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
South Dakota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
South Dakota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
South Dakota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies widely, generally moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornados, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both California and South Dakota boast warm summers with average highs around 85°F, the winter season brings a stark contrast. You'll find California winters mild and more comfortable compared to South Dakota's colder, often harsh winter conditions, where temperatures can plummet to 10°F or lower. Beyond temperatures, relocation means adapting to different natural disaster risks, varying air quality, and changes in seasonal allergies. For instance, moving from California's earthquake and wildfire terrain requires adjusting to South Dakota's tornado and blizzard susceptibilities. These factors are essential to consider for your health, home insurance, and lifestyle adjustments.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to South Dakota
Moving from one location to another can have a significant impact on your finances. Understanding how the cost of living and financial landscape in California compares to South Dakota is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you grasp the differences and plan accordingly.
| Comparison | California | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $69,728 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 94.1 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 1.22 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 4.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture | Agriculture, Banking/Finance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Low |
When considering a move from California to South Dakota, the contrast in economic landscapes is stark. You'll find that your dollar stretches further in South Dakota, thanks to its significantly lower cost of living index and the absence of state income tax. This difference can offer you a more comfortable living standard or the ability to save more of your income. However, it's important to weigh these benefits against the average household income, which is lower in South Dakota. The economic environment is also shaped by the states' dominant industries, with technology and entertainment leading in California, while agriculture and finance are significant in South Dakota. This shift could influence your employment opportunities and lifestyle choices.
California vs. South Dakota Political & Religious Comparison
In considering your move from California to South Dakota , it's helpful to quickly grasp the political and religious makeup of your potential new home compared to where you're coming from. This snapshot aims to give you a sense of the community and ambiance that await in both states.
| California | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic | Republican |
| Local Politics | Mixed urban-centered liberalism | Conservative with a focus on rural interests |
| Religion | Diverse religious landscape | Largely Christian, with a significant Lutheran and Catholic presence |
While California is known for its liberal leaning, particularly in densely populated urban areas, South Dakota carries a conservative signature, with a political scene heavily influenced by rural and agricultural interests. This shift can be quite significant, potentially impacting local policies and community initiatives that are important to you. The religious composition in California is vastly diverse, offering a wide range of spiritual communities across its cities. In contrast, South Dakota maintains a predominantly Christian population, with a strong representation of Lutheran and Catholic faiths, reflecting its historical European settlement patterns. Moving to South Dakota might mean adapting to a community where religion plays a more central role in social and cultural activities.
Education Guide When Moving from California to South Dakota
Deciding where to move can be an overwhelming process, especially when considering the educational opportunities for your family. To ease your decision-making, we’ve compiled a comparison to help better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and South Dakota. This guide aims to give you a clearer picture of the educational landscape in both states.
| California | South Dakota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley Stanford UniversitySouth Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Yu Ming Charter School (Oakland) Granite Bay Montessori (Granite Bay) Old Orchard School (Campbell)Challenge Center (Sioux Falls) Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls) Fred Assam Elementary (Brandon) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools The Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla) The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Basis Independent Silicon Valley (San Jose)Mickelson Middle School (Brookings) Memorial Middle School (Sioux Falls) George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings) | |
Top 3 High Schools California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Whitney High School (Cerritos)Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Brookings High School (Brookings) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Harker School (San Jose) Marlborough School (Los Angeles)O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The Webb Schools (Claremont)Rapid City Christian School (Rapid City) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Roncalli Primary School (Aberdeen) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Ramon Valley Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School DistrictSioux Falls School District Brandon Valley School District Brookings School District | |
While California boasts a wide variety of highly ranked public and private educational institutions, known for their innovation and high academic standards, South Dakota offers a smaller, more community-focused educational environment. Schools like South Dakota State University provide strong local options for higher education, reflecting the state's commitment to accessible education. Similarly, the top elementary schools in Sioux Falls, such as the Challenge Center, focus on creating a nurturing environment for all students. Whether you’re leaning towards the bustling, diverse educational climate of California or the tight-knit, community-focused schools of South Dakota, both states offer unique opportunities for student growth and development.
Popular California to South Dakota Moving Routes
- Los Angeles to Sioux Falls
- San Diego to Sioux Falls
- San Jose to Sioux Falls
- San Francisco to Sioux Falls
- Fresno to Sioux Falls
- Sacramento to Sioux Falls
- Long Beach to Sioux Falls
- Oakland to Sioux Falls
- Bakersfield to Sioux Falls
- Anaheim to Sioux Falls
- Santa Ana to Sioux Falls
- Riverside to Sioux Falls
- Stockton to Sioux Falls
- Irvine to Sioux Falls
- Chula Vista to Sioux Falls
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
