Moving from Missouri to South Dakota
Moving from Missouri to South Dakota covers about 728 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistMO vs SD at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
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 6% higher than in Missouri — 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 4.7% in Missouri. For most movers that means a meaningful bump in take-home pay.
Colder winters ahead
South Dakota averages 12°F cooler than Missouri. Pack cold-weather clothing and expect higher heating bills through the winter.
Much drier climate
South Dakota is far drier than Missouri — roughly 22" less precipitation a year. Expect to adjust to lower humidity and drier air.
Before You Leave Missouri
File Form MO-1040 as a part-year resident
Attach Form MO-CR or Form MO-NRI. Use the one that gives you the lower tax. MO-NRI taxes only the income you earned while a resident. MO-CR gives a credit for tax paid to another state. Your Missouri domicile continues until you move with the intention to make your permanent home elsewhere.
Source: Missouri DOR, Nonresidents and part-year residentsExpect a full year of personal property tax
Missouri taxes the cars and other personal property you own on January 1. The tax is not prorated. If you own a car on January 1 and move out on January 2, you owe the tax for that whole year.
Source: Missouri State Tax Commission, FAQDestroy or return your Missouri plates
Destroy and recycle the plates yourself, or return them to any Missouri license office. You can also mail them to the Department of Revenue. Missouri statute does not allow a refund of registration fees for unexpired plates. If a renewal notice arrives later, ignore it.
Source: Missouri DOR, Titling and registration FAQIf you sell the car instead, report the sale within 30 days
Remove your plates before the buyer takes the car. Report the sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 days. Use the Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or the Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
Source: Missouri DOR, Selling a vehicleCheck for a city earnings tax
The City of St. Louis charges a one percent earnings tax. Residents pay it wherever their employer is located. If you lived in the city, ask the Collector of Revenue about your final return.
Source: City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue, Earnings taxYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 728 miles (~13 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
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
Missouri
Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
South Dakota
Semi-arid and humid continental with cold winters and warm summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Missouri
South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Missouri to South Dakota?
The driving distance from Missouri to South Dakota is approximately 728 miles — about 13 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Missouri to South Dakota?
A professional interstate move from Missouri to South Dakota typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000, 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 Missouri and South Dakota?
Missouri has a cost of living index of 88.6 versus 94.1 for South Dakota (US average = 100).
- Overall, South Dakota is about 6% higher than Missouri.
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.