($979+) Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD ranges from $1,267 to $10,239, with an average cost of $3,600. Moves can be as low as $979 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,636 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 Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving options from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,267 - $10,239 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,600, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,636 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 1,636-mile route from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,267 - $5,329, container $1,473 - $2,718, rental truck $979 - $1,807, freight trailer $1,288 - $2,279.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,095 - $6,810, container $1,756 - $3,652, rental truck $1,039 - $2,281, freight trailer $1,522 - $2,922.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,411 - $10,239, container $2,394 - $5,091, rental truck $1,309 - $2,709, freight trailer $2,075 - $3,793.
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 Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Full-service movers for the 1,636-mile relocation from Santa Ana, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,267 and $10,239. 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 $406 - $2,708, 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 Santa Ana typically charge a base rate around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,267 - $5,329
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,095 - $6,810
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,411 - $10,239
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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana 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 packing78% of local movers | $677 - $6,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $271 - $1,625/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,250 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,354 - $4,062 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,385 - $13,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,014 - $1,927 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,354 - $3,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,083 - $4,739 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $406 - $2,031 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $880 - $2,708 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,739+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $1,473 and $5,091. 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 Santa Ana typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,473 - $2,718
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,652
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,394 - $5,091
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 $948 in Santa Ana, CA. 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 $102 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $203 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 Sioux Falls, SD, destination before booking.
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 $1,473. 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 $1,756 - $3,652.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Plan on $979 - $2,709 for a rental moving truck on the 1,636-mile route from Santa Ana, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $705 - $806
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Santa Ana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Santa Ana to Sioux Falls based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $979 - $1,807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,039 - $2,281
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,309 - $2,709
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls starts at $979 - $2,709, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($705 - $806), overnight lodging ($203/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $948.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $705 - $806 for the 1,636-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 $81 and $440, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $203 per night for hotel stops on the 1,636-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $406 - $609.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 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 $1,219 and $2,922.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,288 - $2,279
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,522 - $2,922
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,075 - $3,793
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $102 - $203 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for about five hours typically runs $948.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Sioux Falls?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Sioux Falls 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: Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $272,355 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $74,714/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 38/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 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 Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to South Dakota, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,636-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,636-mile route from Santa Ana, CA, to Sioux Falls, SD, run $1,267 - $10,239 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,473 - $5,091, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $979 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,095, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sanford Health and Avera Health.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Sioux Falls, SD
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Ana, 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 $1,039 - $2,281. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Sioux Falls, SD?
Costs on this route range from around $979 to $10,239, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,267 and $10,239, 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 do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/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 Sioux Falls run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Dakota?
Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.