($442+) Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Sioux Falls, SD, runs anywhere from $483 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,019 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 573 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,299, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,019 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,026 - $3,354, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $483 - $1,286.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Sioux Falls, SD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,213 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Sioux Falls: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,213 - $5,125. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 573 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 573-mile route from Chicago to Sioux Falls, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,299 for a studio up to $8,019 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,026 - $3,354 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $483 - $1,286, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $951 - $2,709, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 573-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with costs ranging from $1,299 - $8,019. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $300 - $2,000. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Sioux Falls. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,299 - $4,093
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,213 - $5,125
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,902 - $8,019
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Sioux Falls.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to South Dakota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Sioux Falls, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Sioux Falls?
South Dakota Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in South Dakota, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,026 and $3,354. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,026 - $1,755
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,354 - $2,652
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,702 - $3,354
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $700 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $150 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Sioux Falls, SD, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to South Dakota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,026. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,354 - $2,652, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Sioux Falls?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 573 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, running $483 - $1,286. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $182 - $208
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Sioux Falls based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $483 - $864
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $516 - $1,066
- 4+ bedrooms: $643 - $1,286
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Sioux Falls looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $483 - $1,286. But once you factor in fuel ($182 - $208) , overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $700 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 573-mile drive falls between $182 and $208, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $50 and $300 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Sioux Falls?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,095 and $1,940.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $951 - $1,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $1,940
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,348 - $2,709
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $75 - $150 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $700.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Sioux Falls?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Sioux Falls fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Sioux Falls, SD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sioux Falls, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $272,355 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $74,714/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | None |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 38/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 57.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to South Dakota over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 573-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Sioux Falls, SD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,299 - $8,019 on the 573-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,026 - $3,354, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $483 - $1,286. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,213 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sanford Health and Avera Health.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Sioux Falls, SD
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $516 - $1,066. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD?
Costs on this route range from around $1,299 to $8,019, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,299 and $8,019, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Sioux Falls run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Dakota?
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.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
