$1,096 Movers From Chicago, IL to South Dakota

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota averages from $559 to $5,382, and can take anywhere from one-six days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 739 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from South Dakota to Chicago, IL guide.

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The best Chicago to South Dakota moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Chicago to South Dakota is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Chicago and 267 throughout the Mount Rushmore State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to South Dakota.

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Chicago to South Dakota:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,096 - $3,821 $795 - $1,760 $555 - $983
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,295 - $5,382 $1,363 - $2,646 $559 - $1,179
4+ bedrooms $3,698 - $7,557 $1,789 - $3,477 $736 - $1,516

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 739 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to South Dakota will cost between $1,096 to $3,821. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to SD will range from $2,295 to $5,382. A large move from Chicago to South Dakota will cost anywhere from $3,698 to $7,557.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota?

Moving pods from Chicago to South Dakota will cost you $795 to $1,760. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,363 to $2,646. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,789 to $3,477. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to South Dakota.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $555 to $983. A larger move will cost $559 to $1,179, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to South Dakota costs from $736 to $1,516.

Is moving from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota a good idea?

If you’re moving to South Dakota from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL, vs South Dakota

Chicago, IL South Dakota
Average rent cost $1,595 $761
Average home cost $306,098 $291,081
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $69,457
Unemployment rate 9.0% 2.0%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 80% less expensive in South Dakota than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 6.0% lower in South Dakota than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 4.9% higher in South Dakota than in Chicago.
  • South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 152.2%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% lower in South Dakota than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL, from South Dakota?

Chicago, IL South Dakota
Population 2,746,388 895,376
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 66-34
Summer high 84ºF 85ºF
Winter low 19ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 38" 23"
Annual snow 35" 39"
Crime index 35.19 24.75
  • The population of South Dakota is approximately 67% lower than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Dakota is 85º F and in Chicago, it’s 84º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota reaches the temperature of 7º F and Chicago gets down to 19º F.
  • You can expect about 23 inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In South Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. South Dakota:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs South Dakota side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in South Dakota
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Outstanding tax benefits
Delicious food Robust job market
Abundant entertainment Low cost of living
Intense sports culture Beautiful rural landscapes
Ample economic opportunity Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. South Dakota:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for South Dakota.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in South Dakota
High crime rate Extreme weather
Temperamental weather Small-town mindset
Terrible traffic Sparsely populated
High taxes Strange and offensive laws
Pollution Unpredictable weather

Considerations for moving to South Dakota

  • Weather: In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Dakota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: South Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to South Dakota. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in South Dakota

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in South Dakota.

Museums in South Dakota

  • Adams House
  • The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
  • Adams Museum
  • Tatanka: Story of the Bison
  • South Dakota Air and Space Museum
  • The Museum @ Black Hills Institute
  • Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
  • Days of '76 Museum
  • Delta-09 Missile Silo
  • Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
  • Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
  • Wades Gold Mill
  • Black Hills Mining Museum
  • Museum of Geology
  • Native American Educational and Cultural Center

Parks in South Dakota

  • Falls Park
  • Canyon Lake Park
  • Founders Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Upper Chautauqua Park
  • Wylie Park
  • Petrified Wood Park
  • J.H. Keith Park and Whitney Preserve at Cascade Springs
  • Terrace Park
  • Veterans' Memorial Park
  • Tuthill Park
  • Fort Sisseton State Park
  • Centennial Park
  • Sertoma Park
  • Arrowhead Park

Sports Teams in South Dakota

  • Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
  • Rapid City Rush (ECHL)
  • Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League)
  • Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)

Universities in South Dakota

  • University of South Dakota
  • South Dakota State University
  • South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
  • Dakota State University
  • Augustana University
  • Northern State University
  • Black Hills State University
  • National American University
  • University of Sioux Falls
  • Dakota Wesleyan University
  • Mount Marty University
  • Presentation College

FAQs: Moving from Chicago to South Dakota

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to South Dakota?

Need to get your car from Chicago to South Dakota? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to South Dakota car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to South Dakota?

Many people are moving to South Dakota because of its outstanding tax benefits and robust job market. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about South Dakota