There’s a lot to think about when moving to Kentucky from South Dakota. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Kentucky DMV to transfer your South Dakota driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to Kentucky from South Dakota. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Kentucky state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your South Dakota driver’s license to Kentucky within 30 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get Kentucky license plates within 15 days.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for Kentucky and South Dakota.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Kentucky.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to Kentucky property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the Kentucky DMV to transfer your South Dakota driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from South Dakota to Kentucky.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Kentucky.
Moving to Kentucky from South Dakota Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your South Dakota license & registration to Kentucky.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to Kentucky here.
Cost of Moving from South Dakota to Kentucky
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from South Dakota to Kentucky will cost.
The rough distance between Kentucky and South Dakota is 911 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: South Dakota to Kentucky
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in Kentucky
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Kentucky
When you move to Kentucky, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for Kentucky.
Kentucky Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In Kentucky, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$678
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more for car insurance in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$2,124
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more for full coverage in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Do you own a motorcycle?
Kentucky Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$2,009
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be lower in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay less for your home insurance policy in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Will you own or rent your home?
Kentucky Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Kentucky.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in Kentucky
Lower
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Kentucky from South Dakota
Transfer your South Dakota Driver’s License
within 30 days.
After you’ve moved to Kentucky, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your South Dakota Car Registration
within 15 days.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Kentucky license plates.
When you become a resident of Kentucky, you’ll need to transfer your South Dakota driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Kentucky. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in Kentucky is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Kentucky for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your South Dakota Driver’s License to Kentucky
Minimum Age for a Kentucky Driver’s License
17 years old
A standard Kentucky driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 17 years old.
Kentucky Driver’s License Expires
every 8 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 8 years.
Kentucky Driver’s License Cost
$30.00
A driver’s license will cost around $30.00.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Kentucky is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their Kentucky driver’s license within 30 days.
In Kentucky, driver’s licenses are issued by the DDL.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Kentucky Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your South Dakota driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Kentucky address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The Kentucky DDL will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx.
Kentucky Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the Kentucky Driver’s License Test
40 total questions
The Kentucky knowledge exam will typically consist of 40 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
80%
You’ll need to score 80% to pass the test.
When you transfer your South Dakota license to Kentucky, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in Kentucky.
Before you visit the DDL, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Kentucky. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your South Dakota driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Kentucky driving test.
Is your South Dakota driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your South Dakota driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your South Dakota license should be valid when you apply for a license in Kentucky.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the South Dakota DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your South Dakota driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your South Dakota driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your South Dakota driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Kentucky license, it’s possible that the DDL will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your South Dakota driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Kentucky DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from South Dakota to Kentucky
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your South Dakota registration to Kentucky.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Kentucky MVLS.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Kentucky Registration Fee Basis
flat rate
Kentucky vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by flat rate.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$21+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
Kentucky Registration Expiration
every year
In Kentucky, you’ll need to renew your registration every year.
Front License Plates
A front license plate is not required in Kentucky.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
There is typically no vehicle safety inspection required in Kentucky.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is not required for vehicles registered in Kentucky.
New residents in Kentucky are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 15 days.
When moving to Kentucky with vehicles from South Dakota, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for Kentucky registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from South Dakota.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Kentucky registration.
- Have a valid Kentucky insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the South Dakota DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the South Dakota DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in Kentucky vs South Dakota
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from South Dakota to Kentucky including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to Kentucky.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Kentucky from South Dakota.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to Kentucky from South Dakota
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax hike when moving to Kentucky from South Dakota.
Kentucky Income Tax (effective rates)
4.71% (single) & 4.84% (joint)
Kentucky has a state income tax with an effective rate of 4.71% for single filers, and 4.84% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
20.38%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more in income tax in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- Kentucky: 20.38% (single), 20.04% (joint)
- South Dakota: 15.80% (single), 15.66% (joint)
In Kentucky, your tax would be . In South Dakota, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to Kentucky from South Dakota
- State Income Tax (single filers): 4.71% in Kentucky vs 0.00% in South Dakota
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 4.84% in Kentucky vs 0.00% in South Dakota
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 20.38% in Kentucky vs 15.80% in South Dakota
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 20.04% in Kentucky vs 15.66% in South Dakota
Sales Tax in Kentucky vs South Dakota
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
Kentucky Sales Tax
6%
Kentucky has a state sales tax rate of 6%.
The sales tax rate is higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more on sales tax in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Property Taxes in Kentucky vs South Dakota
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Kentucky, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
Kentucky Property Tax Estimate
0.86%
The property tax rate is lower in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay less for property taxes in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Home Prices in Kentucky
$141,000
On average, the average home price is lower in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay less for a house in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Kentucky homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Kentucky vs South Dakota?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in Kentucky.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for Kentucky and South Dakota to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in Kentucky is
-6.20% cheaper
than the national average, compared to -6.20% cheaper for South Dakota.
Kentucky Cost of Living Index
93.8
National Avg: 100
the cost of living is about the same in both Kentucky and South Dakota.
Cost of Groceries
1.20% more expensive
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more for groceries in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Housing Costs
-27.50% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is lower in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay less for housing costs in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Kentucky Utilities
2.90% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Transportation Costs
-2.30% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more on transportation in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Healthcare in Kentucky
-18.20% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Miscellaneous Costs
6.30% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in Kentucky. You’ll likely pay more for these things in Kentucky than you did in South Dakota.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from South Dakota to Kentucky.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to Kentucky.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from South Dakota to Kentucky.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in Kentucky to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a Kentucky local.