($878+) Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Sioux Falls, SD, runs anywhere from $878 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,148 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,355 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,016, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,148 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,341 - $4,690, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $878 - $2,250.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Sioux Falls, SD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,690 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbia to Sioux Falls: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,690 - $6,079. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 66% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 3 to 8 days for this 1,355-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,355-mile route from Columbia to Sioux Falls, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,016 - $4,619 | $1,341 - $2,477 | $878 - $1,614 | $1,219 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,690 - $6,079 | $1,611 - $3,355 | $921 - $1,900 | $1,397 - $2,684 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,675 - $8,148 | $2,395 - $4,690 | $1,182 - $2,250 | $1,805 - $3,607 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD
Full-service movers for the 1,355-mile relocation from Columbia, South Carolina, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $2,016 and $8,148. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $266 - $1,772, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Columbia typically charge a base rate around $262 plus $256 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,016 - $4,619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,690 - $6,079
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,675 - $8,148
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 Columbia to Sioux Falls.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Sioux Falls, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Sioux Falls?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in South Dakota Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Columbia, SC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,341 and $4,690. 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 Columbia typically costs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,341 - $2,477
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,355
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,395 - $4,690
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $66 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $133 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Sioux Falls, SD, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $620 in Columbia, SC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina 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 $1,341. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,611 - $3,355.
What are the best moving containers Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD
A rental truck for this 1,355-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, costs between $878 and $2,250. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $382 - $437
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
| 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 Columbia to Sioux Falls based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $878 - $1,614
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $921 - $1,900
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,250
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbia to Sioux Falls looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $878 - $2,250. But once you factor in fuel ($382 - $437), overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $66 and $310.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $382 and $437 for the 1,355-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $620 for 2 movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia 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 Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD
If you're moving a larger household from Columbia, South Carolina, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,397 and $2,684.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,397 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,805 - $3,607
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $66 and $133.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly five hours typically average $620.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Sioux Falls?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Columbia to Sioux Falls. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Sioux Falls, SD
Day-to-day costs in Sioux Falls are close to what you're used to in Columbia: cost of living index of 91 versus 87, with average rent of $1,100/mo compared to $1,447/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 48.39/100 in Columbia versus 38/100 and 57.17/100 in Sioux Falls.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls, SD to Columbia, SC guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina 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 116 movers in our South Carolina network to compare for this 1,355-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbia, SC, to Sioux Falls, SD, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,016 for a studio to $8,148 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,355-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,341 - $4,690. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $878 - $2,250, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,690 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sanford Health and Avera Health.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Sioux Falls, SD
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 is the best time of year to move from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Sioux Falls a safe place to live?
Sioux Falls has a safety index of 57.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.83, compared to 48.39 and 3.0 in Columbia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbia, SC 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 $921 - $1,900. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.