($921+) Sioux Falls, SD to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $921 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,898 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,634 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 $2,767, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,898 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,402 - $4,841, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $921 - $2,735.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,748 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 Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles: 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 $3,748 - $7,691. Moving containers run about 54% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 74% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,634-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 1,634-mile route from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,767 - $6,210 | $1,402 - $2,532 | $921 - $1,880 | $1,211 - $2,519 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,748 - $7,691 | $1,738 - $3,689 | $987 - $2,128 | $1,478 - $3,011 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,237 - $10,898 | $2,619 - $4,841 | $1,257 - $2,735 | $2,035 - $3,952 |
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 Los Angeles, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,634-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Los Angeles, California, with prices running from $2,767 - $10,898. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $358 - $2,388 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Sioux Falls and Los Angeles are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Sioux Falls movers tend to run around $424 as a base rate plus $182/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,767 - $6,210
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,748 - $7,691
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,237 - $10,898
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 Los Angeles.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Sioux Falls, SD to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $597 - $5,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $239 - $1,433/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $358 - $2,866 |
| 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 | $1,194 - $3,582 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,985 - $11,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $894 - $1,699 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,194 - $2,985 |
| Piano | Any piano type21% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $955 - $4,179 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $358 - $1,791 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $2,388 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $358 - $17,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $358 - $4,179+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Sioux Falls, SD, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,402 and $4,841. 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 Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,402 - $2,532
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,738 - $3,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,619 - $4,841
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Sioux Falls, SD and Los Angeles, 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 $836 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 $179 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 $1,402. 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 $1,738 - $3,689.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,634 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Los Angeles, California, running $921 - $2,735. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $621 - $709
- 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 Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $921 - $1,880
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $2,128
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,257 - $2,735
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles starts at $921 - $2,735, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($621 - $709), overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $179 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $78 and $388 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $621 - $709 in fuel for the 1,634-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $836 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Los Angeles, California. 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 $1,478 and $3,011.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $2,519
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,478 - $3,011
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,035 - $3,952
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $836.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $90 and $179 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Sioux Falls on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sioux Falls, SD | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $272,355 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $74,714/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 57.17/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Los Angeles, CA 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 California, 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 27 movers in South Dakota, so you have real options to compare for this 1,634-mile move.
Our take
The 1,634-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Los Angeles, CA, costs between $2,767 and $10,898 with full-service movers, $1,402 - $4,841 with a moving container, and $921 - $2,735 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 $3,748 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 County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Los Angeles, CA
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 38 and 46 in Sioux Falls. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
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 Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 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.