($1,034+) Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD ranges from $1,198 to $9,647, with an average cost of $3,800. Moves can be as low as $1,034 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,654 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving options from Bakersfield to Sioux Falls fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,198 - $9,647 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,654 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,654-mile route from Bakersfield to Sioux Falls, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,198 - $5,148 | $1,444 - $2,719 | $984 - $1,890 | $1,338 - $2,545 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,155 - $7,272 | $1,847 - $3,917 | $1,076 - $2,316 | $1,477 - $3,164 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,588 - $9,647 | $2,621 - $5,146 | $1,341 - $2,833 | $2,015 - $3,913 |
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 Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,654-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with costs ranging from $1,198 - $9,647. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $289 - $1,928. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Bakersfield and Sioux Falls. Local movers in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate plus $116/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,198 - $5,148
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,155 - $7,272
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,588 - $9,647
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 Bakersfield to Sioux Falls.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield 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 packing100% of local movers | $482 - $4,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $193 - $1,157/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,314 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $964 - $2,892 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,410 - $9,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $722 - $1,372 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $964 - $2,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type14% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $771 - $3,374 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $289 - $1,446 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $627 - $1,928 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,374+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield, CA. 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 Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,444 and $5,146. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Bakersfield costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,444 - $2,719
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,847 - $3,917
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,621 - $5,146
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Bakersfield, CA and Sioux Falls, SD. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $675 in Bakersfield, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $72 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $145 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,444. 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 $1,847 - $3,917.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, range from $984 - $2,833 for the 1,654-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $507 - $580
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Bakersfield to Sioux Falls based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $984 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,076 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,341 - $2,833
Pro tip: A rental truck from Bakersfield to Sioux Falls looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $984 - $2,833. But once you factor in fuel ($507 - $580), overnight lodging ($145/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $145 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 Bakersfield, California, usually costs about $675 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,654-mile drive falls between $507 and $580, 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 $48 and $289 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Bakersfield, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,477 and $3,164.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $2,545
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $3,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,015 - $3,913
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $72 - $145 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for about five hours typically runs $675.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Sioux Falls, SD
Bakersfield and Sioux Falls land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 91 in Sioux Falls, and average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $1,100/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 37 vs 38 and safety scores are 41.51 vs 57.17.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to South Dakota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,654-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Bakersfield, CA, to Sioux Falls, SD, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,198 - $9,647 on the 1,654-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,444 - $5,146 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $984 - $2,833 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,155 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sanford Health and Avera Health.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Sioux Falls, SD
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD?
Costs on this route range from around $1,034 to $9,647, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,198 and $9,647, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA 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 $1,076 - $2,316. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($507 - $580), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $145/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA 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 percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 14% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.