($959+) Sioux Falls, SD to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $959 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,472 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,632 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,609, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,472 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,473 - $5,141, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $959 - $2,655.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,677 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 Irvine, CA
Moving options from Sioux Falls to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,677 - $8,252 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 52% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,632 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,632-mile route from Sioux Falls to Irvine, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,609 - $5,792 | $1,473 - $2,585 | $959 - $1,880 | $1,262 - $2,519 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,677 - $8,252 | $1,774 - $3,876 | $1,018 - $2,260 | $1,405 - $3,101 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,752 - $11,472 | $2,444 - $5,141 | $1,270 - $2,655 | $1,935 - $4,072 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Irvine, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Irvine, California, costs between $2,609 and $11,472. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,632-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $362 - $2,412, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Sioux Falls and Irvine. For a rough baseline, movers based in Sioux Falls tend to start around $424 plus $182/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,609 - $5,792
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,677 - $8,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,752 - $11,472
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 Irvine.
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 Sioux Falls, SD to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $603 - $6,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $241 - $1,447/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $362 - $2,894 |
| 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 | $1,206 - $3,618 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,015 - $12,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $903 - $1,716 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,206 - $3,015 |
| Piano | Any piano type21% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $965 - $4,221 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $362 - $1,809 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $784 - $2,412 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $362 - $18,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $362 - $4,221+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Irvine?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,473 and $5,141. 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. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Sioux Falls typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,473 - $2,585
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,774 - $3,876
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,444 - $5,141
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Sioux Falls, SD and Irvine, CA. 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 $844 in Sioux Falls, SD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $90 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $181 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 South Dakota to California 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 $1,473. 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 $1,774 - $3,876.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Irvine?
- 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 Irvine, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,632 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Irvine, California, running $959 - $2,655. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $626 - $716
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $959 - $1,880
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,018 - $2,260
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,270 - $2,655
Pro tip: A rental truck from Sioux Falls to Irvine looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $959 - $2,655. But once you factor in fuel ($626 - $716), overnight lodging ($181/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 $90 and $422.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $181.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $626 and $716 for the 1,632-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 $844 for 2 movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Irvine?
- 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 Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Irvine, California, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,405 and $3,101.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,262 - $2,519
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,405 - $3,101
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,935 - $4,072
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $90 - $181 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 $844.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Irvine?
- 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine 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 Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Sioux Falls on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sioux Falls, SD | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $272,355 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $74,714/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 57.17/100 | 68.99/100 |
| 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 Irvine, CA to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Dakota to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 27 movers based in South Dakota, handy for sizing up options on this 1,632-mile route.
Our take
The 1,632-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Irvine, CA, costs between $2,609 and $11,472 with full-service movers, $1,473 - $5,141 with a moving container, and $959 - $2,655 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,677 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Irvine, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Sioux Falls, SD to Irvine, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Sioux Falls?
Local movers based in Sioux Falls typically start around $424 as a base rate, plus $182/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 Irvine run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Sioux Falls, SD to Irvine, CA 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 are the best neighborhoods in Irvine?
For families, Westpark II, Turtle Rock, and Woodbridge are worth a look in Irvine. If you're moving solo or without kids, Westpark, Westpark II, and Oak Creek tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Irvine, CA?
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 $1,018 - $2,260. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 41% nationally.