($1,060+) Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD ranges from $1,263 to $9,955, with an average cost of $3,800. Moves can be as low as $1,060 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,734 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 Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving options from Modesto to Sioux Falls fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,263 - $9,955 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 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,734 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 1,734-mile route from Modesto to Sioux Falls, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,263 - $5,377 | $1,459 - $2,862 | $989 - $1,902 | $1,274 - $2,526 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,214 - $6,595 | $1,829 - $3,967 | $1,070 - $2,286 | $1,568 - $3,050 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,403 - $9,955 | $2,651 - $5,065 | $1,417 - $2,740 | $1,976 - $4,259 |
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 Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Full-service movers for the 1,734-mile relocation from Modesto, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,263 and $9,955. 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 $318 - $2,120, 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. As a point of reference, local movers in Modesto typically charge a base rate around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,263 - $5,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,214 - $6,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,403 - $9,955
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 Modesto to Sioux Falls.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto 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 packing56% of local movers | $530 - $5,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $212 - $1,272/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $318 - $2,544 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,060 - $3,180 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,650 - $10,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $794 - $1,508 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,060 - $2,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $848 - $3,710 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $318 - $1,590 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $689 - $2,120 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $318 - $15,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $318 - $3,710+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Sioux Falls?
Movers licensed to operate in South Dakota are typically members of the South Dakota Trucking Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Modesto, CA. 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 Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,459 and $5,065. 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 Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,459 - $2,862
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,829 - $3,967
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,651 - $5,065
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Modesto, 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 $742 in Modesto, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $80 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $159 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 $1,459. 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 $1,829 - $3,967.
What are the best moving containers Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Renting a moving truck for the 1,734-mile move from Modesto, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, costs between $989 and $2,740, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $585 - $668
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Sioux Falls based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $989 - $1,902
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,070 - $2,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,417 - $2,740
Pro tip: A rental truck from Modesto to Sioux Falls looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $989 - $2,740. But once you factor in fuel ($585 - $668), overnight lodging ($159/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $742.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $585 - $668 for the 1,734-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 $64 and $345, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $159 per night for hotel stops on the 1,734-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $318 - $477.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto 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 Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
For larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,568 and $3,050.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,274 - $2,526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $3,050
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $4,259
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 Modesto, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $742.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $159 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 Modesto to Sioux Falls?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Modesto to Sioux Falls, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Sioux Falls, SD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sioux Falls, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $272,355 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $74,714/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 38/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 57.17/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to South Dakota, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,734-mile move.
Our take
A move from Modesto, CA, to Sioux Falls, SD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,263 - $9,955 on the 1,734-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,459 - $5,065, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $989 - $2,740. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,214 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sanford Health and Avera Health.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Sioux Falls, SD
How long does a move from Modesto, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($585 - $668), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $159/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, 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 $1,070 - $2,286. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD?
Costs on this route range from around $1,060 to $9,955, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,263 and $9,955, 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 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 Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.