($417+) Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $417 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,816 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,533, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,816 or more.
- Moving containers run $921 - $3,077, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $417 - $1,228.
- 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 $2,562 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
Moving options from Sioux Falls to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,562 - $6,432 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 50% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 82% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 572-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
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 $1,533 - $4,645, container $921 - $1,727, rental truck $417 - $841, freight trailer $838 - $1,570.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,562 - $6,432, container $1,293 - $2,363, rental truck $460 - $960, freight trailer $966 - $1,929.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,295 - $8,816, container $1,740 - $3,077, rental truck $614 - $1,228, freight trailer $1,393 - $2,362.
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 Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
For the 572-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,533 and $8,816. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $291 - $1,940 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Sioux Falls generally start around $424 plus $182 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,533 - $4,645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,562 - $6,432
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,295 - $8,816
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.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs29% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Hanson-Maves Co (SD) | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type21% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Sioux Falls, SD. 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $921 and $3,077. 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 Sioux Falls typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $921 - $1,727
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,293 - $2,363
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,740 - $3,077
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 $679 in Sioux Falls, SD. 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 $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 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 Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
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 $921. 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 $1,293 - $2,363.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- 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 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:
- Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
- Mini Movers Inc (4.0/5), 35 years in business
- MICHAEL JUNK- Junk Removal Services
Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Plan on $417 - $1,228 for a rental moving truck on the 572-mile route from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $177 - $202
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Sioux Falls daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Sioux Falls to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $417 - $841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $460 - $960
- 4+ bedrooms: $614 - $1,228
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $417 - $1,228 does not include fuel ($177 - $202), lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Sioux Falls to Chicago typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $679.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $177 - $202 for the 572-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $315, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 572-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $291 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- 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 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 $1,929.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $838 - $1,570
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $966 - $1,929
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,362
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $73 - $146 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, typically costs $679.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 57.17/100 | 33.87/100 |
| 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 Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Dakota to Illinois, 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 23 movers in South Dakota, so you have real options to compare for this 572-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Chicago, IL, 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 $1,533 - $8,816 on the 572-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $921 - $3,077 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $417 - $1,228 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,562 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Chicago, IL
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
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 $460 - $960. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 57.17 and 42.83 in Sioux Falls. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL?
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 Sioux Falls movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 21% of movers in Sioux Falls handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.