($1,312) Movers From South Dakota to Des Moines

Quick answer: The cost to move from South Dakota to Des Moines, IA averages from $434 to $6,475 depending on 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
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional South Dakota 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 Des Moines, IA to South Dakota guide.

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Moving from South Dakota to Des Moines, IA resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from South Dakota to Des Moines, IA.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 453 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best South Dakota to Des Moines, IA moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from South Dakota to Des Moines 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 Des Moines.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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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

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

What is the average cost to move from South Dakota to Des Moines, IA?

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

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,312 - $3,575 $680 - $1,536 $404 - $767
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,227 - $6,475 $1,242 - $2,343 $434 - $884
4+ bedrooms $4,052 - $9,466 $1,649 - $2,942 $509 - $1,042

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 453 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 South Dakota to Des Moines, IA 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 South Dakota, 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 letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from South Dakota to Des Moines?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Des Moines will cost between $1,312 to $3,575. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from South Dakota to Des Moines will range from $2,227 to $6,475, and a large move from South Dakota to Des Moines will cost from $4,052 to $9,466.

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

Moving containers from South Dakota to Des Moines will cost you $680 to $1,536 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,242 to $2,343. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,649 to $2,942.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Des Moines.

How much is a moving truck from South Dakota to Des Moines?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from South Dakota to Des Moines, 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 $404 to $767. A larger move will cost $434 to $884, and a four-bedroom or more move from South Dakota to Des Moines costs from $509 to $1,042. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from South Dakota.

Is moving from South Dakota to Des Moines, IA a good idea?

Cost of living: South Dakota vs Des Moines, IA

South Dakota Des Moines
Average rent cost $761 $1,150
Average home value $291,081 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $58,492
Unemployment rate 2% 6%
State income tax 0% 4%
  • Rent is about 51% more expensive in Des Moines than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 34% lower in Des Moines than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 16% lower in Des Moines than in South Dakota.
  • Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 195%.
  • Income taxes are 4% higher in Des Moines than in South Dakota.

How is life different in Des Moines from South Dakota?

Des Moines South Dakota
Population 699,292 895,376
Political leaning Democratic 57-41 Republican 66-34
Summer high 86ºF 85ºF
Winter low 13ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 36" 23"
Annual snow 33" 39"
Crime index 5.0 24.75
  • The population of Des Moines is approximately 22% lower than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Des Moines voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Des Moines is 86ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Des Moines reaches the temperature of 13ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Des Moines vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Des Moines, it snows about 33 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Des Moines has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 24.75 vs 5.0.

Considerations for moving to Des Moines, IA

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Iowa 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 Iowa. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

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.

Need a local Des Moines mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395

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

What to do in Des Moines?

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

Museums in Des Moines

  • Des Moines Art Center
  • State Historical Museum
  • Science Center of Iowa
  • Salisbury House
  • World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
  • Wells Fargo Museum
  • Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
  • Polk County Heritage Gallery

Parks in Des Moines

  • Gray's Lake Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
  • Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
  • Clive Greenbelt Trail
  • Des Moines River Trail
  • Rotary Riverwalk Park

Sports Teams in Des Moines

  • Drake Bulldogs

Universities in Des Moines

  • AIB College of Business
  • Mercy College of Health Sciences
  • Drake University
  • Grand View University
  • Vatterott College Des Moines

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Dakota to Des Moines?

Because of the 453-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Des Moines as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Des Moines, IA?

With the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 13ºF, most people move to Des Moines from South Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Des Moines during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.

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