Best Iowa to South Dakota Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from one state to another marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind Iowa's rolling fields and friendly faces for South Dakota's rugged Badlands and the majestic Mt. Rushmore, you're exchanging one unique set of landscapes and cultures for another. In this journey, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers; that's where we step in, ensuring your move is smooth and stress-free with the best teams by your side.
Best Iowa to South Dakota Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| White Glove Movers | 9.11 | 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 Iowa guide.
6 Best IA to SD Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Adamantine Spine Moving
Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
About Best Move Inc
Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its BBB accreditation...Read More >>
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
About White Glove Movers
White Glove Movers is a residential and commercial moving company serving its local community of Marion, the nearby areas of Cedar Rapids, I...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Residential Moving Services
- Commercial & Freight 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 Iowa to South Dakota
Moving from one state to another always comes with a mix of excitement and apprehension. This guide provides an honest reflection on the positives and negatives of relocating from Iowa to South Dakota, helping you weigh your decisions more clearly.
Iowa- Higher taxes
- More humid summers
- Fewer national parks
- Denser population
South Dakota- Lower taxes
- Drier climate
- More outdoor adventures
- More open spaces
South Dakota- Less greenery
- Fewer cultural hubs
- Varying job prospects
- Smaller community size
Iowa- Lush landscapes
- Rich cultural sites
- Strong job market
- Vibrant community events
While South Dakota boasts a dry climate, offering relief from Iowa's muggy summers, it does come with less lush landscapes. However, South Dakota's allure includes stunning outdoor adventures, particularly with attractions like the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The state's vibrant community events may be smaller in scale but are deeply rooted in local culture and traditions. Cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City are growing cultural hubs, with spots like Falls Park in Sioux Falls and Main Street Square in Rapid City offering a blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Despite fewer job prospects in certain sectors compared to Iowa, South Dakota's economy is bolstered by industries such as agriculture, tourism, and healthcare, making it an attractive place for those looking to enjoy a quieter, yet still engaging lifestyle.
Iowa vs. South Dakota Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & South Dakota, highlighting why food is a crucial aspect of local culture and living. This comparison allows you to understand better the food scene you'll immerse yourself in post-move.
| Iowa | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Chislic |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop (Pork) | Pheasant |
| Most popular street food item | Sweet Corn | Indian Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Wild Rice Dish |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Iowa, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich signifies the state's profound connection to pork farming, often found in local diners and state fairs. The famous Machine Shed in Des Moines celebrates Iowa’s rich farming heritage with its hearty American food. Moving to South Dakota, you'll discover Chislic, cubed red meat skewers, as a unique local delight, especially popular in the Sioux Falls area. The Minervas in Rapid City stands as a testament to the state's culinary variety, serving everything from steak to unique local dishes. These iconic foods and restaurants contribute significantly to their respective state's food scene, reflecting each area's cultural history and contemporary tastes.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. South Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a critical consideration when planning a move. Understanding how the housing landscapes in Iowa and South Dakota compare is vital to making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Iowa | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Prairie |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Energy-efficient, Large yards | Spacious garages, Outdoor spaces |
In deciding between Iowa and South Dakota, there are several detailed factors to consider beyond the initial numbers. The typical architecture in Iowa leans towards Ranch-style homes, offering a cozy and sprawled layout, ideal for those valuing space and privacy. South Dakota's Prairie-style homes reflect the state's natural surroundings and favor horizontal lines and earthy materials, appealing to those appreciating aesthetics aligned with the environment. While both states offer a relaxed urban lifestyle, Iowa has a slight edge in walkability and bikeability, potentially due to its slightly more developed urban areas. However, South Dakota's real estate listings frequently highlight spacious garages and outdoor spaces, enticing those with a penchant for nature and outdoor activities. Whether your priorities lie in the cost of living, lifestyle, or home aesthetics, digging deeper into these aspects will guide you toward making the right choice for your move.
Iowa vs. South Dakota Weather Considerations
When preparing to move from Iowa to South Dakota, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between your current home and your future one. Transitioning to a new climate can impact your daily life, clothing choices, and outdoor activities, making this comparison an essential part of your relocation planning.
Iowa
South Dakota
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
South Dakota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
South Dakota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
South Dakota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Severe Storms | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While the average summer temperatures in Iowa and South Dakota are quite similar, the winters in South Dakota tend to be slightly colder with lower lows, reflecting a more continental climate influenced by its geographic location further west. South Dakota also enjoys more sunny days per year, which could be a plus for those who prefer clearer skies. However, with increased sunshine comes a higher average UV index in South Dakota, making sun protection more crucial during outdoor activities. Interestingly, both states share common natural disaster risks such as tornadoes, but South Dakota has the added risk of blizzards due to its northern location. These weather elements combined create a distinct living experience that potential movers should consider when planning their relocation.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to South Dakota
When planning a move from one state to another, it's essential to grasp how the financial aspects of your lifestyle will shift. This comparison aims to illuminate the variances in money and finance you'll encounter when moving from Iowa to South Dakota, focusing on everyday expenses and overall economic atmosphere.
| Comparison | Iowa | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $69,728 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 94.1 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 - 8.53 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 1.22 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.94 | 6.40 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services | Agriculture, Tourism, Finance |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Low |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Moderate |
In transitioning from Iowa to South Dakota, you'll find several financial benefits despite the slightly lower average household income. South Dakota offers a more appealing tax situation with no state income tax, which can significantly affect your net income. The cost of living is also marginally lower in South Dakota, coupled with a lower average sales tax, making everyday expenses slightly more affordable. While the top industries in both states involve agriculture and finance, South Dakota's emphasis on tourism might open new job opportunities or business ventures for you. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about your move and prepare financially.
Iowa vs. South Dakota Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Iowa to South Dakota , it’s important to grasp a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents. This comparison provides a concise overview of what to expect in terms of the political and religious landscape between Iowa & South Dakota, enabling you to understand the social fabric of your potential new home.
| Iowa | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Slightly leans Republican | Strongly Republican |
| Local Politics | Mixed urban/rural representation | Rural-leaning representation |
| Religion | Diverse religious landscape | Predominantly Protestant |
In both Iowa and South Dakota, the political landscape significantly influences local culture, yet in slightly different ways. Iowa's political environment is slightly Republican but has shown variability in national elections, suggesting a mix that can vary from county to county. This contrasts with South Dakota's more reliably Republican stance, especially in national elections. The religious makeup offers another layer of social understanding. Iowa presents a more diverse religious landscape, accommodating various faiths, indicative of its mixed urban and rural character. In contrast, South Dakota showcases a predominantly Protestant faith, resonating more closely with its rural-leaning representation and community values. Such distinctions underpin the social fabric of each state, allowing for a nuanced understanding of your potential new home.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to South Dakota
Moving from one state to another can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to finding the best educational opportunities for your family. This comparison is designed to help you better understand the comparisons between school options in Iowa and South Dakota, aiding in making an informed decision for your children's education.
| Iowa | South Dakota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaSouth Dakota State University University of South Dakota South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Shimek Elementary (Iowa City) Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls) Harrisburg Explorer Elementary (Harrisburg) John Harris Elementary (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools North Central Junior High (North Liberty) South East Junior High (Iowa City) Ames Middle School (Ames)Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls) Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls) Dakota Valley Middle School (North Sioux City) | |
Top 3 High Schools West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Cedar Falls High School (Cedar Falls)Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Washington High School (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 private high schools Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids) Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Regina High School (Iowa City)O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Maharishi School (Fairfield) Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids)Roncalli Catholic Schools (Aberdeen) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Mitchell Christian School (Mitchell) | |
Top 3 School Districts Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District Cedar Falls Community School DistrictSioux Falls School District Harrisburg School District Brandon Valley School District | |
When looking at the educational opportunities in Iowa and South Dakota, there are notable differences in where high school seniors typically go to college, reflecting the prominent universities within each state. For families with younger children, the top elementary and middle schools in Iowa seem to cluster around Iowa City and its suburbs, renowned for their academic excellence. In contrast, South Dakota’s best-rated schools are mainly found in and around Sioux Falls, providing excellent educational experiences in this rapidly growing city. Each state offers distinctive options for private education as well, with respected institutions such as Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. These differing landscapes underscore the importance of considering education when planning a move, ensuring your family's needs align with what each state uniquely offers.
