($1,259) Moving From South Dakota to Minnesota

Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Dakota to Minnesota ranges from $430 to $5,920 and takes one-four 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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  • Family owned
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

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 Minnesota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best South Dakota to Minnesota movers

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

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
read our full review
(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
At A Glance
  • 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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Most Experienced Mover
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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
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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 Minnesota?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,259 - $3,575 $640 - $1,552 $388 - $767
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,462 - $5,920 $1,156 - $2,343 $430 - $884
4+ bedrooms $4,256 - $8,565 $1,666 - $3,062 $552 - $1,084

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 454 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 MN

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Minnesota will cost between $1,259 and $3,575. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to MN will range from $2,462 to $5,920, and a large move from South Dakota to Minnesota will cost from $4,256 to $8,565.

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

Moving containers from South Dakota to Minnesota will cost you $640 to $1,552 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,156 to $2,343. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,666 to $3,062. 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 Minnesota?

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 $388 to $767. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $430 to $884, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Dakota to Minnesota costs from $552 to $1,084.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from South Dakota to Minnesota a good idea?

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Minnesota

South Dakota Minnesota
Average rent cost $761 $1,010
Average home cost $291,081 $324,215
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $84,313
Cost of Living Index 100 94
Unemployment rate 2.0% 3.2%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 6.88%
State Income Tax 0.0% 9.85%
  • Rent is about 33% more expensive in Minnesota than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 11% higher in Minnesota than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 21% higher in Minnesota than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in Minnesota than in South Dakota.
  • Minnesota has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 60%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in Minnesota than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 10% higher in Minnesota than in South Dakota.

How does life in Minnesota differ from South Dakota?

Minnesota South Dakota
Population 5,717,184 895,376
Political leaning Democratic 53-45 Republican 66-34
Summer high 81ºF 85ºF
Winter low 2ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 29" 23"
Annual snow 47" 39"
Crime index 23.8 24.75
  • The population of Minnesota is approximately 539% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Minnesota voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Minnesota is 81ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Minnesota reaches the temperature of 2ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about twenty-nine inches of annual rainfall in Minnesota versus twenty-three inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Minnesota, it snows about forty-seven inches annually versus thirty-nine inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Minnesota has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 24.75 vs 23.8.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Minnesota

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 Minnesota side by side.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Minnesota
Outstanding tax benefits Ample economic opportunity
Robust job market Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
Low cost of living Multitudinous lakes
Beautiful rural landscapes Diverse festivals
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Friendly people

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Minnesota

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 Minnesota.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Minnesota
Extreme weather Bland food
Small-town mindset Cold snowy winters
Sparsely populated Terrible traffic
Strange and offensive laws High tax burden
Unpredictable weather Thick accents

What to know before your move to Minnesota

  • Weather: Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Minnesota

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

  • Mall of America
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul
  • North Shore Scenic Drive
  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
  • Minnehaha Falls
  • Munsinger Clemens Gardens
  • Itasca State Park
  • Valleyfair Amusement Park
  • Voyageurs National Park
  • International Wolf Center
  • Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
  • Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • Devil’s Kettle
  • Niagara Cave
  • Greyhound Bus Museum
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Stone Arch Bridge
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Guthrie Theater
  • Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues
  • SPAM Museum
  • Quarry Hill Nature Center

FAQs

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Minnesota are the amazing upsides of living in Minnesota such as ample economic opportunity and bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Minnesota?

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in Minnesota. Housing is more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 25% less and home prices 10% lower than in Minnesota. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

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 Minnesota you live For example, larger cities like Albert Lea and Alexandria will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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