($487+) Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $502 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,705 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 572 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 $1,734, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,705 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,129 - $3,585, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $502 - $1,296.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,647 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Sioux Falls to Chicago: 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 $2,647 - $6,918. 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.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 572-mile route from Sioux Falls to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,734 - $5,202, container $1,129 - $1,973, rental truck $502 - $942, freight trailer $957 - $1,758.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,647 - $6,918, container $1,392 - $2,781, rental truck $525 - $1,129, freight trailer $1,081 - $2,159.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,858 - $10,705, container $1,799 - $3,585, rental truck $701 - $1,296, freight trailer $1,485 - $2,868.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 572-mile relocation from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,734 and $10,705. 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 $291 - $1,940, 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.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,734 - $5,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,647 - $6,918
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,858 - $10,705
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 Sioux Falls to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Dakota to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Sioux Falls to Chicago. Prices are localized to Sioux Falls costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Sioux Falls to Chicago) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Sioux Falls, SD. 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,129 and $3,585. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,129 - $1,973
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,781
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,799 - $3,585
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, 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 $679 in Sioux Falls, SD. 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 Dakota to Illinois 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 $1,129. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,392 - $2,781, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
- Brouwer Relocation Inc (4.9/5), 57 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Plan on spending between $502 and $1,296 for a rental moving truck in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A truck rental is a fully DIY move: you load the truck, drive it the 572 miles yourself, and unload at your destination in Chicago, Illinois.
The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle. Fuel ($177 - $202), insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) are added on top of the base rate.
Rental moving trucks are available in a variety of sizes, usually from 10 - 26 feet. For an average 2-bedroom move, a 15- to 17-foot truck is usually the right fit. Smaller 10- to 12-foot trucks handle studios and 1-bedroom apartments, and 3+ bedroom homes generally require a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks 20 feet and up typically run on diesel, which tends to be more expensive than gas and adds to your total spend.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $502 - $942
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $525 - $1,129
- 4+ bedrooms: $701 - $1,296
Pro tip: The base rate of $502 - $1,296 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Sioux Falls to Chicago. Fuel ($177 - $202) , lodging at around $146/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, usually costs about $679 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 572-mile drive falls between $177 and $202, 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 $49 and $291 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Lower advertised base rates than U-Haul or Penske, combined with AAA, military, and online booking discounts, make Budget the most affordable major rental option.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable rental on this list. Penske runs one of the youngest fleets in the industry (averaging under 2 years old) and includes 24/7 roadside support and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability pick. U-Haul's 23,000+ locations and 7 truck sizes make it the easiest rental to book on short notice, especially for one-way and same-day moves.
Freight trailer costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $873 and $2,159.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $957 - $1,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,081 - $2,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,485 - $2,868
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (4.76/5 stars): Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago 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: Sioux Falls, SD vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Sioux Falls on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sioux Falls, SD | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $272,355 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $74,714/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
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 Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 572-mile route from Sioux Falls, SD, to Chicago, IL, run $1,734 - $10,705 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,129 - $3,585, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $502 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,647, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
How to plan your move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your Sioux Falls to Chicago move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your Sioux Falls to Chicago move.
FAQ
What are some tips for a move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
Decluttering one bedroom's worth of items before your move reduces your shipment by around 500 pounds and saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
From there, having a clear plan makes everything easier. Use a moving checklist to stay on top of key tasks and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks as moving day gets closer.
When is the best time of year to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
The fall and winter months, roughly October through March, are generally the most affordable time to move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois. Demand is lower, movers have more availability, and you'll often find more competitive pricing across all service types.
If you have to move during peak season (mid-May through mid-September), try to book as early as possible and avoid weekends and month-end dates, when demand is highest and prices reflect it.
How long will it take to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves from Sioux Falls to Chicago in 5 - 7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers are usually the fastest option (other than driving a rental truck yourself), with deliveries typically in 3 - 5 days. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What does it cost to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,734 on the low end to $10,705 on the high end. Where you land depends on your home size, the service you choose, and when you move.
Full-service movers typically fall between $1,734 and $10,705, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during off-season months (October - March) can also make a meaningful difference in your final total for a move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois.
What is the most affordable way to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
A rental truck is typically the cheapest way to move from Sioux Falls to Chicago, since the base rate covers only the vehicle and you handle everything else. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $525 - $1,129. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Those extra costs are broken out in the truck rental section above. It's worth totaling them before you book, since a moving container can sometimes land close to the same final price once a truck rental's add-ons are factored in, with less of the loading and driving on you.
