($1,228) Moving From New Jersey to South Dakota

Quick answer: The average cost to move from New Jersey to South Dakota ranges from $1,003 to $6,262 and takes four-fifteen days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service New Jersey moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from New Jersey to South Dakota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from South Dakota to New Jersey guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best New Jersey to South Dakota movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from New Jersey to South Dakota is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving New Jersey to South Dakota:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

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

Looking for local New Jersey movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
White Glove Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
235 W 1st St, Bayonne, NJ, 07002
(877) 941-0568
Reliable Van & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
550 Division St, Elizabeth, NJ, 07201
(908) 352-5300

Visit our Best Movers in New Jersey page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to South Dakota?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from New Jersey to South Dakota for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,228 - $4,429 $1,020 - $2,536 $899 - $1,795
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,764 - $6,262 $1,822 - $3,626 $1,003 - $2,093
4+ bedrooms $4,818 - $9,497 $2,507 - $5,045 $1,353 - $2,769

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,548 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from NJ to SD

There are many factors that influence New Jersey moving costs. The cost to move from New Jersey to South Dakota will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in New Jersey is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from New Jersey to South Dakota?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New Jersey to South Dakota will cost between $1,228 and $4,429. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NJ to SD will range from $2,764 to $6,262, and a large move from New Jersey to South Dakota will cost from $4,818 to $9,497.

How much are moving containers like PODS from New Jersey to South Dakota?

Moving containers from New Jersey to South Dakota will cost you $1,020 to $2,536 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,822 to $3,626. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,507 to $5,045. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New Jersey.

How much is a moving truck from New Jersey 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 $899 to $1,795. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,003 to $2,093, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New Jersey to South Dakota costs from $1,353 to $2,769.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from New Jersey to South Dakota a good idea?

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

Cost of living: New Jersey vs. South Dakota

New Jersey South Dakota
Average rent cost $1,368 $761
Average home cost $495,469 $291,081
Average income (per capita) $97,126 $69,457
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 4.6% 2.0%
Average Sales Tax 6.6% 6.4%
State Income Tax 10.7% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 44% less expensive in South Dakota than in New Jersey.
  • Home prices are about 41% lower in South Dakota than in New Jersey.
  • The average income is about 28% lower in South Dakota than in New Jersey.
  • Cost of living is about the same in South Dakota and New Jersey.
  • South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than New Jersey by about 57%.
  • Sales taxes are 3% lower in South Dakota than in New Jersey.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in South Dakota than in New Jersey.

How does life in South Dakota differ from New Jersey?

South Dakota New Jersey
Population 895,376 9,261,699
Political leaning Republican 66-34 Democratic 57-41
Summer high 85ºF 85ºF
Winter low 7ºF 22ºF
Annual rain 23" 48"
Annual snow 39" 23"
Crime index 24.75 12.88
  • The population of South Dakota is approximately 90% lower than the population of New Jersey.
  • In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican and New Jersey voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Dakota is 85ºF and in New Jersey, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota reaches the temperature of 7ºF and New Jersey gets down to 22ºF.
  • You can expect about twenty-three inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota versus forty-eight inches of rainfall in New Jersey.
  • In South Dakota, it snows about thirty-nine inches annually versus twenty-three inches of snow in New Jersey.
  • South Dakota has a higher crime rate than New Jersey with a crime index of 24.75 vs 12.88.

Comparing the pros of New Jersey 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 New Jersey versus South Dakota side by side.

Pros of living in New Jersey Pros of living in South Dakota
Bountiful recreational opportunities Outstanding tax benefits
Diversity Robust job market
World-class entertainment Low cost of living
Leading education Beautiful rural landscapes
Superb health care Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in New Jersey vs. South Dakota

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving New Jersey for South Dakota.

Cons of living in New Jersey Cons of living in South Dakota
Extreme weather Extreme weather
Congested population Small-town mindset
High cost of living Sparsely populated
High tax burden Strange and offensive laws
Terrible traffic Unpredictable weather

What to know before your move 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Dakota. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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.

Things to do in South Dakota

While you’re in South Dakota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Mitchell Corn Palace
  • Black Hills National Forest
  • Badlands National Park
  • Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
  • Wind Cave National Park
  • National Music Museum
  • Sioux Falls Park
  • Spearfish Canyon
  • Deadwood
  • South Dakota Air and Space Museum
  • Sylvan Lake
  • Jewel Cave National Monument
  • Good Earth State Park
  • Ingalls Homestead
  • Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
  • Children’s Museum of South Dakota
  • Old Courthouse Museum
  • Bear Butte State Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from New Jersey to South Dakota?

The cheapest way to move from New Jersey to South Dakota is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from New Jersey to South Dakota?

The main reasons people are moving from New Jersey to South Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in South Dakota such as outstanding tax benefits and robust job market.

Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or South Dakota?

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in New Jersey. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 44% less and home prices 41.3% lower than in New Jersey. South Dakota has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Dakota?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in South Dakota you live For example, larger cities like Aberdeen and Box Elder will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources