Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Chicago
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to South Dakota
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The number of belongings you need to move, plus the size and layout of your home, will affect your overall moving cost.
- Time of year: Moving during summer—peak season in Chicago—usually means higher prices from movers.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is typically more affordable, but it comes with extra effort and stress compared to letting professionals handle your move.
What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to South Dakota
Leaving Chicago for South Dakota means embracing a new lifestyle—and likely saving some cash. Living in Chicago typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Chicago and South Dakota stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. South Dakota
| Chicago, IL | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $878 |
| Average home cost | $295,743 | $306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $69,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 1.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
South Dakota sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is around 57% cheaper in South Dakota compared to Chicago, so you can pocket some extra cash each month.
- Thinking about buying a home? Expect prices in South Dakota to be 3.8% higher than in Chicago, so budget accordingly.
- Expect an average income that’s about 2.9% lower in South Dakota compared to Chicago.
- You’ll find a 78.9% lower unemployment rate in South Dakota than in Chicago.
- Enjoy less income tax in South Dakota— 100.00% lower than in Chicago, so you’ll take home more of your paycheck.
How life is different in Chicago, IL, from South Dakota
If you’re moving from Chicago to South Dakota, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Let’s break down what life in South Dakota is like compared to the Chi-Town.
| Chicago, IL | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 2,746,388 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 23" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 39" | 35" |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 35.19 |
South Dakota sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
- Luckily, you won’t have to buy a new summer wardrobe since the average summertime high in South Dakota is 85º F, which is right on par with the average of 84º F in Chicago.
- During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota reaches the temperature of 7º F while Chicago only gets down to 19º F, so you may need to buy a new winter coat for your move to the Mount Rushmore State.
- When you move from Chicago to South Dakota you can put away your raincoats, with only 23 inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota compared to the 38 inches in Chicago that you’re used to.
- In the winter, you’ll enjoy about the same amount of cold, snowy weather in South Dakota, with 39 inches of snow annually, as you did in Chicago with 35 inches.
Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. South Dakota:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs South Dakota side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Outstanding tax benefits |
| Delicious food | Robust job market |
| Abundant entertainment | Low cost of living |
| Intense sports culture | Beautiful rural landscapes |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. South Dakota:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for South Dakota.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in South Dakota |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | Extreme weather |
| Temperamental weather | Small-town mindset |
| Terrible traffic | Sparsely populated |
| High taxes | Strange and offensive laws |
| Pollution | Unpredictable weather |
Other considerations when moving to South Dakota from Chicago
When relocating from Chicago to South Dakota, a few details are worth keeping in mind to avoid last-minute hiccups. Beyond choosing a mover and packing your belongings, it’s helpful to consider local rules, permit requirements, and other practical factors that could impact your move.
- Weather: In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident..
- HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or community’s moving rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises on moving day.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Dakota moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit for South Dakota, but it’s smart to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to South Dakota without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in South Dakota
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in South Dakota.
Museums in South Dakota
Parks in South Dakota
Sports Teams in South Dakota
Universities in South Dakota
FAQs
How long does a move from Chicago to South Dakota take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Chicago, IL to South Dakota? Typically, the process takes about one to six days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to South Dakota?
Need to ship your car from Chicago to South Dakota? Trust professionals who’ll protect your vehicle and manage all the details seamlessly. See our top choices for car shipping from Chicago to South Dakota.
Why are people moving from Chicago to South Dakota?
Many people are moving to South Dakota because of its outstanding tax benefits and robust job market. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago .
