($1,469) Moving From South Dakota to Wisconsin

Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Dakota to Wisconsin ranges from $494 to $6,188 and takes one-six 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
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  • 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 Wisconsin separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best South Dakota to Wisconsin movers

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

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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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 Wisconsin?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,469 - $4,321 $722 - $1,672 $477 - $845
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,633 - $6,188 $1,341 - $2,630 $494 - $1,003
4+ bedrooms $4,750 - $9,521 $1,669 - $3,331 $617 - $1,212

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 598 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 WI

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Wisconsin will cost between $1,469 and $4,321. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to WI will range from $2,633 to $6,188, and a large move from South Dakota to Wisconsin will cost from $4,750 to $9,521.

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

Moving containers from South Dakota to Wisconsin will cost you $722 to $1,672 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,341 to $2,630. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,669 to $3,331. 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 Wisconsin?

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 $477 to $845. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $494 to $1,003, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Dakota to Wisconsin costs from $617 to $1,212.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin a good idea?

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Wisconsin

South Dakota Wisconsin
Average rent cost $761 $856
Average home cost $291,081 $250,257
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $63,293
Cost of Living Index 100 97
Unemployment rate 2.0% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 5.43%
State Income Tax 0.0% 7.65%
  • Rent is about 12% more expensive in Wisconsin than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 14% lower in Wisconsin than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 9% lower in Wisconsin than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 3% lower in Wisconsin than in South Dakota.
  • Wisconsin has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 105%.
  • Sales taxes are 15% lower in Wisconsin than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 8% higher in Wisconsin than in South Dakota.

How does life in Wisconsin differ from South Dakota?

Wisconsin South Dakota
Population 5,895,908 895,376
Political leaning Democratic 50-49 Republican 66-34
Summer high 81ºF 85ºF
Winter low 7ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 34" 23"
Annual snow 48" 39"
Crime index 17.9 24.75
  • The population of Wisconsin is approximately 558% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-four inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin versus twenty-three inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Wisconsin, it snows about forty-eight inches annually versus thirty-nine inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Wisconsin has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 24.75 vs 17.9.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin side by side.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Wisconsin
Outstanding tax benefits Low cost of living
Robust job market High quality of life
Low cost of living Abundant outdoor recreational activities
Beautiful rural landscapes Unique tasty food
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Borders great lakes

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Wisconsin
Extreme weather High tax burden
Small-town mindset Extreme seasonal weather
Sparsely populated Lack of diversity
Strange and offensive laws Poor roads
Unpredictable weather High rate of alcoholism

What to know before your move to Wisconsin

  • Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
  • 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: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Wisconsin

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

  • Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
  • Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
  • Door County
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
  • The Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
  • Circus World Museum, Baraboo
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • EAA AirVenture Show And Museum, Oshkosh
  • Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
  • Taliesin Preservation
  • House on the Rock
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • National Railroad Museum
  • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
  • Pattison State Park
  • Lake Minocqua
  • Wisconsin Great River Road
  • Bay Beach Amusement Park
  • Wisconsin Ice Age Trail

FAQs

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin such as low cost of living and high quality of life.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Wisconsin?

It is generally cheaper to live in Wisconsin than in South Dakota. Housing is more affordable in Wisconsin, with average rent about 13% less and home prices 14.0% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

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

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 Wisconsin you live For example, larger cities like Allouez and Appleton will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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