($1,518) Moving From South Dakota to Arizona

Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Dakota to Arizona ranges from $875 to $7,748 and takes two-eight 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.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best South Dakota to Arizona movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from South Dakota to Arizona 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 South Dakota to Arizona:

Best Overall Value
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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
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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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
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(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(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 South Dakota movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Thomas & Sons Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
3333 Sturgis Rd, Rapid City, SD, 57702
(605) 787-3871
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
222 N Marion Rd Suite B, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107
(605) 550-4799

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

How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Arizona?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,518 - $5,747 $921 - $2,189 $769 - $1,574
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,151 - $7,748 $1,633 - $3,383 $875 - $1,782
4+ bedrooms $5,708 - $10,416 $2,213 - $4,394 $1,046 - $2,283

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,246 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 SD to AZ

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota to Arizona 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Arizona?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Arizona will cost between $1,518 and $5,747. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to AZ will range from $3,151 to $7,748, and a large move from South Dakota to Arizona will cost from $5,708 to $10,416.

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

Moving containers from South Dakota to Arizona will cost you $921 to $2,189 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,633 to $3,383. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,213 to $4,394. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Dakota.

How much is a moving truck from South Dakota to Arizona?

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 $769 to $1,574. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $875 to $1,782, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Dakota to Arizona costs from $1,046 to $2,283.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from South Dakota to Arizona a good idea?

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Arizona

South Dakota Arizona
Average rent cost $761 $1,097
Average home cost $291,081 $422,243
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $72,581
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 2.0% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 8.4%
State Income Tax 0.0% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 44% more expensive in Arizona than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 45% higher in Arizona than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 4% higher in Arizona than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Arizona and South Dakota.
  • Arizona has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 110%.
  • Sales taxes are 31% higher in Arizona than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 3% higher in Arizona than in South Dakota.

How does life in Arizona differ from South Dakota?

Arizona South Dakota
Population 7,359,197 895,376
Political leaning Democrat 49-49 Republican 66-34
Summer high 99ºF 85ºF
Winter low 34ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 11" 23"
Annual snow 6" 39"
Crime index 29.36 24.75
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 722% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about eleven inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus twenty-three inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Arizona, it snows about six inches annually versus thirty-nine inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Arizona has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 29.36 vs 24.75.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Arizona

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

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Arizona
Outstanding tax benefits Ample economic opportunity
Robust job market Pleasant weather
Low cost of living Abundant recreational opportunities
Beautiful rural landscapes Cultural diversity
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Arizona

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

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Arizona
Extreme weather Extreme weather
Small-town mindset Barren desert land
Sparsely populated Health hazards
Strange and offensive laws Limited public transportation
Unpredictable weather No winter

What to know before your move to Arizona

  • Weather: Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
  • 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Arizona 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 Arizona. 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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Arizona

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

  • Grand Canyon
  • Sedona
  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
  • Hoover Dam
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Havasu Falls
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Tumacácori National Historical Park
  • London Bridge
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Heard Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Arizona?

The cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Arizona 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 South Dakota to Arizona?

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Arizona?

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in Arizona. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 31% less and home prices 31% lower than in Arizona. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

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 Arizona you live For example, larger cities like Anthem and Apache Junction will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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