Moving from Colorado to South Dakota
At roughly 498 miles, moving from Colorado to South Dakota is a short interstate move — close enough that many people rent a truck and drive it themselves in a day. Here's the full checklist so nothing slips through.
Generate My ChecklistCO vs SD at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in South Dakota are about 8% lower than in Colorado — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
No state income tax in South Dakota
South Dakota charges no state income tax, versus a top rate around 4.4% in Colorado. For most movers that means a meaningful bump in take-home pay.
Higher property taxes
South Dakota's effective property tax rate (1%) is higher than Colorado's (0.5%). If you plan to buy, weigh the extra annual cost into your budget.
Before You Leave Colorado
File Form DR 0104 with Schedule DR 0104PN
You are a part-year resident if you move out of Colorado to make your home somewhere else. Colorado taxes the income you earned while you lived here. It also taxes income from Colorado sources after you leave. File a part-year return if you must file a federal return or you owe Colorado tax. Attach the DR 0104PN to the DR 0104. The rate for tax year 2025 is a flat 4.4 percent.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Individual Income Tax Guide (January 2026)Plan for 2 percent withholding if you sell a house after you move out
If you sell Colorado real property for more than $100,000 as a nonresident, the closing agent may withhold tax. The amount is 2 percent of the sales price or the net proceeds, whichever is less. There is an exception for a house that was your principal residence just before the sale and could qualify for the federal home sale exclusion. To use it, sign that affirmation on form DR 1083.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Form DR 1083 (2025)Return or recycle your Colorado plates
When you no longer need the Colorado plates, return them to your county motor vehicle office. You can also recycle them with a service that takes metal. You may be able to use personalized plates on another vehicle. Ask your county motor vehicle office.
Source: Colorado DMV, License PlatesComplete a release of liability if you sell the vehicle
If you sell your vehicle before the move, complete a Release of Liability. You can do it through Colorado DMV online services.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationExpect mail ballots until your county knows you moved
Your county clerk mails you a ballot until it receives information that you moved out of state. You can have only one residence for voting. Withdraw your Colorado registration on the Secretary of State website. You can also mail the withdrawal form to your county clerk. Then register to vote in your new state.
Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Voter Registration FAQsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 498 miles (~9 hours), this is short enough to DIY with a rental truck or a single-day mover run. Get 2–3 quotes and compare them against renting.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the South Dakota DMV, register to vote in SD, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Colorado
Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
South Dakota
Semi-arid and humid continental with cold winters and warm summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Colorado
South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Colorado to South Dakota?
The driving distance from Colorado to South Dakota is approximately 498 miles — about 9 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Colorado to South Dakota?
A professional interstate move from Colorado to South Dakota typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Colorado and South Dakota?
Colorado has a cost of living index of 101.8 versus 94.1 for South Dakota (US average = 100).
- Overall, South Dakota is about 8% lower than Colorado.
How do property taxes compare between Colorado and South Dakota?
Colorado's effective property tax rate is about 0.5%, versus 1% in South Dakota.
- On a typical home that difference raises your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to South Dakota?
After establishing residency in South Dakota, you have 90 days to update your driver's license at a South Dakota DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the South Dakota DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in South Dakota?
South Dakota has semi-arid and humid continental with cold winters and warm summers.
- The annual average temperature is 44°F, with about 20 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $128.