How we chose the best moving companies for your MS to SD move
After studying pricing from 24 Mississippi movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Mississippi to South Dakota?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Mississippi to South Dakota.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,172 – $4,721 |
$852 – $2,040 |
$700 – $1,375 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,602 – $6,619 |
$1,509 – $3,118 |
$811 – $1,702 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,491 – $8,580 |
$2,042 – $4,168 |
$942 – $2,074 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,191-mile move from MS to
SD are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Mississippi to South Dakota
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Mississippi to South Dakota will cost between
$1,172 and
$4,721.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MS to SD will
range from $2,602 to
$6,619, and a large move from Mississippi
to South Dakota will cost from $4,491
to $8,580.
Cost of moving containers from Mississippi to South Dakota
If you’re moving from Mississippi to South Dakota,
expect to pay between $852
and $2,040 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,509 up to
$3,118.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,042 and
$4,168. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Mississippi.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Mississippi to South Dakota
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$700 and
$1,375.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $811
and $1,702. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $942 up to
$2,074 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MS to SD
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Mississippi to South Dakota. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Mississippi is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from MS to SD
A relocation from Mississippi to South Dakota comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Mississippi vs. South Dakota
Comparing expenses in Mississippi and South Dakota shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Mississippi |
South Dakota |
| Average rent |
$896 |
$878 |
| Average home cost |
$181,313 |
$306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$68,505 |
$69,457 |
| Cost of living index |
85 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
1.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
6.4% |
| State income tax |
4.7% |
0.0% |
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You don’t have to stress about your housing budget. Rental rates will be about the same if you’re moving from Mississippi to South Dakota.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 69% higher in South Dakota than in Mississippi.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both South Dakota and Mississippi.
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Moving to South Dakota means you’ll be paying 18% more than you did in Mississippi. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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With an unemployment rate about 34% lower than Mississippi, South Dakota boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales tax in South Dakota is 9% lower than in Mississippi. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in South Dakota can really help lower your monthly costs.
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South Dakota has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Mississippi. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in South Dakota vs. Mississippi
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in South Dakota stacks up against Mississippi across important lifestyle factors:
|
South Dakota |
Mississippi |
| Population |
919,318 |
2,943,045 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 63-37 |
Republican 60.9-38 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
7ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
23″ |
57″ |
| Annual snow |
39″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
21.14 |
19.92 |
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With a population about 69% smaller than Mississippi, South Dakota offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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During the last presidential election, both Mississippi and South Dakota supported the Republican candidate.
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South Dakota averages 85°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 91°F in Mississippi.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
-
During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota drops to about 7°F while Mississippi only reaches 33°F.
Moving to South Dakota with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
-
You’ll enjoy about 23 inches of rain each year in South Dakota, compared to 57 inches in Mississippi.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
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Every year, South Dakota gets around 39 inches of snow, much more than the 1 inch that Mississippi typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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South Dakota has a higher crime rate than Mississippi with a crime index of 21.14 vs. 19.92.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Mississippi vs. South Dakota
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in South Dakota versus Mississippi:
| Pros of living in Mississippi |
Pros of living in South Dakota |
| Southern hospitality |
Outstanding tax benefits |
| Delicious comfort food |
Robust job market |
| Mild winters |
Low cost of living |
| Low cost of living |
Beautiful rural landscapes |
| Nice beaches |
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Mississippi vs. South Dakota
Moving from Mississippi to South Dakota comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Mississippi |
Cons of living in South Dakota |
| Extreme weather |
Extreme weather |
| Lackluster economy |
Small-town mindset |
| Low diversity |
Sparsely populated |
| Poor healthcare |
Strange and offensive laws |
| Political homogeneity |
Unpredictable weather |
Other things to consider for your Mississippi to South Dakota move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a South Dakota moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in South Dakota, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to South Dakota without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in South Dakota
Get ready to discover all that South Dakota has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Mississippi to South Dakota?
Do movers transport your car from Mississippi to South Dakota?
What are the benefits of moving from Mississippi to South Dakota?
The main reasons people are moving from Mississippi to South Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in South Dakota, such as outstanding tax benefits and robust job market.
Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or South Dakota?
Living in Mississippi usually costs less than in South Dakota.
Housing
is much more affordable in Mississippi,
with average rent about 2% less and home prices 41% lower than in South Dakota.
However, taxes are
lower in South Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Mississippi residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Dakota?
You should make approximately $62,655 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in South Dakota.
The cost of living in South Dakota is about $2,529 per month for an individual and $5,562 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Mississippi moving services
Popular Mississippi routes
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When moving from Mississippi to South Dakota, expect to spend between
$2,602–$6,619 if using professional movers, about
$2,313 for a moving container, and around
$1,256
for a rental truck.
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