Best Movers From Iowa to South Dakota (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Iowa to South Dakota, you’ll likely pay between $1,798–$5,026 with professional movers, roughly
$1,673 for a moving container, and about
$595
for a rental truck.
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$1,059 — $5,026 Top local mover
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$1,059 — $6,984 Top long-distance mover
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$633 — $2,851 Top container company
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$380 — $1,029 Top truck rental
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$61 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Iowa to South Dakota
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Iowa to South Dakota.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to South Dakota
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
|
2 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 13, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 06, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 22, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 17, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to South Dakota?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,059 – $3,098 | $633 – $1,520 | $380 – $673 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,798 – $5,026 | $1,122 – $2,224 | $392 – $798 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,270 – $6,984 | $1,475 – $2,851 | $514 – $1,029 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,059 – $3,098
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,798 – $5,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,270 – $6,984
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to South Dakota?
- Small move: $633 – $1,520
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,122 – $2,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,475 – $2,851
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $380 – $673
- 2–3 bedrooms: $392 – $798
- 4+ bedrooms: $514 – $1,029
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 466-mile move from IA to SD using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IA to SD?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $878 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $69,457 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 1.9% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 6.4% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Dakota?
Rent is about the same in Iowa and South Dakota.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $878
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 39% higher in South Dakota than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $306,944
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Iowa and South Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $69,457
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Dakota?
The cost of living is 12% higher in South Dakota than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 8% lower in South Dakota than in Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 6.4%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
South Dakota has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in South Dakota compared to Iowa?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| South Dakota | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 63-37 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 23″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 16.18 |
Will South Dakota feel more crowded than Iowa?
South Dakota is about 71% less populous than Iowa — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Iowa and South Dakota voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (7°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Dakota?
Rain: South Dakota gets less rain (23″ vs. 35″).
Snow: South Dakota gets more snow (39 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is South Dakota safer than Iowa?
South Dakota has a higher crime index than Iowa (21.14 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in South Dakota?
Museums in South Dakota
- Adams House
- The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
- Adams Museum
- Tatanka: Story of the Bison
- South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Parks in South Dakota
- Falls Park
- Canyon Lake Park
- Founders Park
- Memorial Park
- Upper Chautauqua Park
Sports teams in South Dakota
- Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
- Rapid City Rush (ECHL)
- Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League)
- Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
Universities in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota
- South Dakota State University
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- Dakota State University
- Augustana University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to South Dakota move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Dakota moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in South Dakota, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Dakota?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly 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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a South Dakota moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in South Dakota?
You don’t need a moving permit in South Dakota.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
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