Best South Dakota to Wisconsin Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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SD to WI Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state isn't just a change of scenery; it's an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. As you bid farewell to South Dakota's majestic Mount Rushmore and serene Great Plains, and prepare to embrace Wisconsin's vibrant Cheesehead community and lush landscapes, remember that such a significant journey necessitates careful planning and execution. That's why it's crucial to prioritize hiring trusted and reliable professional movers for this long distance endeavor, ensuring your adventure from the Mount Rushmore State to the Badger State begins on the best possible note.

South Dakota iconArrow iconWisconsin icon

Best South Dakota to Wisconsin Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Elite Movers9.57NRAuthorized For HHGContact
MACS Moving and Storage9.43A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Dial-A-Move Inc.8.92A+Authorized For HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck8.91A+Authorized For HHGContact
Dial-A-Move8.25A+Authorized For HHGContact
The Moving Guys, LLC8.06NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota guide.

6 Best SD to WI Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Elite Movers Logo
Exceptional9.57/10
based on 788+ data points

About Elite Movers

Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocati...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
  • Single Item Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579816 / 1208798

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
MACS Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 1,047+ data points

About MACS Moving and Storage

Lake Geneva-based MACS Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company that has served Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2386699 / 820142

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved216,309 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo
Superb8.92/10
based on 483+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb8.91/10
based on 843+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2575221 / 904586

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Dial-A-Move Logo
Very Good8.25/10
based on 108+ data points

About Dial-A-Move

Dial-A-Move is your one-stop shop for affordable moving options. It has offices in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Huron, serving the Midwest and b...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving options
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
The Moving Guys, LLC Logo
Good8.06/10
based on 157+ data points

About The Moving Guys, LLC

The Moving Guys, LLC is a locally-owned moving company based in Rapid City, providing comprehensive moving services to the Black Hills commu...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3199241 / 160684

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved175,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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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 South Dakota to Wisconsin

Moving from one state to another is a big decision that requires weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Wisconsin . By examining the pros and cons, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect from your new environment.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsher winters
  • Less populous cities
  • Fewer lakes
  • Limited cultural events
  • Smaller economy
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Milder winters
  • Larger communities
  • More lakes
  • Richer cultural scene
  • Stronger economy
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Less open land
  • Higher cost of living
  • More traffic
  • Less tight-knit communities
  • Higher population density
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Wide-open spaces
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Strong community bond
  • Low population density

In transitioning from South Dakota with its sprawling landscapes and tight-knit communities to Wisconsin's bustling cities, you'll discover a blend of new opportunities. Wisconsin offers an abundant array of lakes, such as Lake Mendota and Lake Monona in Madison, providing plenty of water activities away from the larger crowds. The state shines with its cultural richness, hosting events like the annual Summerfest in Milwaukee, the world's largest music festival. Madison and Milwaukee boast vibrant restaurant scenes, with spots like L'Etoile in Madison, known for its farm-to-table dining, and Milwaukee's Sanford Restaurant, celebrated for its global cuisine. While the cost of living and traffic may increase, the trade-off comes with access to more extensive social and economic opportunities, illustrating the complex yet rewarding journey of such a relocation.

South Dakota vs. Wisconsin Food Guide

Understanding local cuisine is vital in appreciating the culture and lifestyle of a new area. Through this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Wisconsin, helping you discover what culinary delights await you in your new home state.

South DakotaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemChislicCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishPheasantBratwurst
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosBratwurst
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice DishesCheese-less Curds
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Minervas
  • Crawford's Bar & Grill
  • Culver's
  • Mader's
  • The Old Fashioned
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Wisconsin, you're entering a state known for its deep love of dairy, particularly cheese. Cheese curds, especially when fresh and squeaky, are a local favorite. The love for bratwurst in Wisconsin is evident in many local festivals and the widespread availability of this sausage in street food settings, making it a must-try. For those interested in vegan options, Wisconsin's adaptation of cheeseless curds provides a tasty alternative. Icons of the state's dining scene include Culver's, known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard; Mader's, showcasing traditional German cuisine; and The Old Fashioned, where you can experience Wisconsin's beer and cheese culture firsthand. If you're keen to explore the foodie scene, Madison and Milwaukee are vibrant hubs with an array of food trucks, vegan-friendly restaurants, and local eateries that highlight the state's culinary diversity.

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South Dakota vs. Wisconsin Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your experience when moving to a new state. Knowing how housing aspects in South Dakota compare with Wisconsin is crucial for making informed decisions. This comparison highlights key housing attributes to consider.

ComparisonSouth DakotaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleRanchCape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, garagesLakeside access, energy efficiency

When comparing the housing markets of South Dakota and Wisconsin, the differences in median home price and monthly rent are notable, suggesting that your budget may stretch further in Wisconsin, especially for home buyers. The architecture style reflects the regional preferences, with ranch-style homes prevalent in South Dakota and Cape Cod styles more common in Wisconsin, offering a quaint, charming feel. The higher walkability and bikeability scores in Wisconsin indicate a slightly more urban lifestyle, potentially making it a better choice for those seeking amenities within walking distance. Additionally, Wisconsin's focus on lakeside access and energy efficiency in real estate listings highlights the state's natural beauty and a growing awareness towards sustainability.

South Dakota vs. Wisconsin Weather Considerations

When considering a move from South Dakota to Wisconsin, it's essential to understand how the climate and weather patterns will shift. This comparison will highlight weather differences between South Dakota and Wisconsin, providing valuable insights for a smoother transition. From temperature variances to humidity levels, this information will prepare you for your new environment.

Summer icon
85°F/60°F

South Dakota

82°F/63°F

Wisconsin

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30°F/10°F

South Dakota

28°F/13°F

Wisconsin

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
20-30

South Dakota

30-35

Wisconsin

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
30-60

South Dakota

40-50

Wisconsin

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth DakotaWisconsin
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsTornadoes, Severe Snowstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin, you'll experience slightly milder summers and marginally colder winters in Wisconsin. Despite having fewer days of sunshine, Wisconsin provides a similar quality of air but with a slightly higher humidity level. Interestingly, the annual snowfall is greater in Wisconsin, which can affect seasonal activities and transportation. Being prepared for these differences ensures you can adapt readily to Wisconsin's climate while also anticipating the joyful experiences the change in weather can bring.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin

When considering a move from South Dakota to Wisconsin, it's vital to understand the financial implications. This comparison will help you grasp the cost of living, taxes, and overall economic environment you're moving into, ensuring a smoother transition.

ComparisonSouth DakotaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$69,728$70,996
Cost of Living Index94.195.65
State Income Tax03.54 - 7.65
Avg. Property Tax1.221.76
Avg. Sales Tax4.55
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, ServicesManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
Affluencemoderatemoderately high
Povertylowerlower
Homelessnessminimalminor

The table above highlights key financial differences between South Dakota and Wisconsin that could impact your decision-making process. Notably, Wisconsin's average household income is slightly higher, which might be influenced by its diverse economy, including a strong manufacturing sector. However, Wisconsin also has a higher cost of living and state income taxes, factors that can diminish net income. Property and sales taxes are also higher in Wisconsin, impacting long-term homeownership and daily expenses. Despite these financial implications, both states offer a relatively strong economic environment with low poverty and homelessness levels. Understanding these dynamics can help you plan more effectively for your move and financial future.

South Dakota vs. Wisconsin Political & Religious Comparison

This quick comparison provides a snapshot into the comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Wisconsin , plus the religious landscape of both states. It’s designed to give you an understanding of the community you're moving into or considering.

South DakotaWisconsin
Political Make-upRepublican-leaningSwing state, with a mix of Republican and Democrat support
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areas, with some liberal leanings in urban centers like Sioux FallsMixed, with conservative rural areas and more liberal urban centers such as Milwaukee and Madison
ReligionChristianity predominantly, with significant Lutheran and Catholic communitiesChristianity predominantly, with a diversity of beliefs including Lutheran, Catholic, and a growing population of non-religious

When moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin, you'll notice differences and similarities in the political and religious climates. South Dakota typically leans Republican, with conservative values more prevalent, especially in rural areas. However, urban areas such as Sioux Falls show a spectrum of political beliefs. Wisconsin, on the other hand, is known for its political swings, hosting a vibrant mix of ideologies. The state's major cities, Milwaukee and Madison, are known for their liberal stance, contrasting with the conservative leanings of its rural regions. Both states share a strong Christian influence, though Wisconsin presents a broader religious diversity and a more notable presence of non-religious individuals. This insight can help you better understand the social fabric of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin

When considering a move from South Dakota to Wisconsin, comparing educational institutions is crucial for families. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Dakota and Wisconsin, ensuring your children can continue to thrive in their new environment.

South DakotaWisconsin

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Corona Elementary School (Corona)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Randall Consolidated School (Burlington)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Swallow Elementary School (Hartland)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)

Top 3 High School Schools

Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Brookfield Central High School (Brookfield)
Cedarburg High School (Cedarburg)
Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
Roncalli Primary School (Aberdeen)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Prairie School (Racine)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Aberdeen School District
Brookings School District
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Mequon-Thiensville School District

If you're moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin, you'll find some differences in educational opportunities. Wisconsin offers a variety of highly-rated schools across all levels, from elementary to high school. For instance, the University School of Milwaukee and Brookfield Academy are renowned for their comprehensive K-12 education, highlighting Wisconsin's strength in private education. In contrast, South Dakota's Sioux Falls Christian Schools offer a unique blend of faith-based education across all grades. Additionally, public universities like the University of Wisconsin-Madison have a strong national reputation, drawing in students from across the country, whereas South Dakota State University is well-known regionally for its robust programs. Making an informed decision will take some research, but understanding these key differences will help you identify the best educational path for your family in Wisconsin.

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