Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Sioux Falls typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 282 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 282-mile move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,669 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $1,508 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,298 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Sioux Falls
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,100, but larger homes can run up to $7,100.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($300–$900) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Sioux Falls movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Sioux Falls
For a stress-free interstate move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→SD movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Sioux Falls
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Sioux Falls runs about -6% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $1,770 in Sioux Falls versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,542 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Sioux Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,265 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,250 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $318,982 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $58,538 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,542 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won't require significant modification when moving from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 66% higher in Sioux Falls than in Des Moines.
- The average income in Sioux Falls and Des Moines is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Sioux Falls, where the cost of living for a single person is 6% less than in Des Moines.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Sioux Falls and Des Moines, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Sioux Falls experiences an unemployment rate that is about 46% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Sioux Falls than in Des Moines. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Sioux Falls can reduce your overall living expenses.
- South Dakota has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Sioux Falls:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $205.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $44.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.28 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $12.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $43.88 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Sioux Falls.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Sioux Falls
| Des Moines | Sioux Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 202,600 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 46 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.83 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 57.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Sioux Falls's population is about 71% less than Des Moines.
- Sioux Falls's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Sioux Falls is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 46 out of 100, Sioux Falls is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Sioux Falls's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.83 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Sioux Falls neighborhoods are safer than 42.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Sioux Falls and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.17 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Sioux Falls is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Sioux Falls move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Dakota moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Dakota doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Sioux Falls smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Sioux Falls
Now that you've chosen Best Little City in America as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Sioux Falls to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sioux Falls
- East Sioux Falls
- McKennan Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- McKennan Park
- Downtown Sioux Falls
- West Sioux Falls
- East Sioux Falls
- Cherry Lake
Things to do in Sioux Falls
After getting comfortable in your new South Dakota home, it's time to see what Sioux Falls is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Sioux Falls offers cultural landmarks like the Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Empire Medical Museum, Eastbank Art Gallery, and Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Great Bear Recreation Park, Terrace Park, Good Earth State Park, and Veterans' Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Sioux Falls Skyforce (G League)Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)Augustana Vikings (NSIC)Sioux Falls Cougars (NSIC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Sioux Falls are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls take?
A move of 282 miles from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD generally takes one to four days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Sioux Falls is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
