Best Movers From Montana to South Dakota (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from Montana to South Dakota, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,434 to
$6,443, roughly
$1,788 for a container move, and close to
$754
for a rental truck.
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$1,347 — $6,443 Top local mover
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$1,347 — $8,602 Top long-distance mover
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$682 — $3,077 Top container company
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$448 — $1,292 Top truck rental
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$60 — $80/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 Montana to South Dakota
After reviewing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team found that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the list down to the best companies equipped to handle your move from Montana to South Dakota.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Montana to South Dakota
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
3 Bedrooms
Nov 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 08, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 24, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 10, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 28, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Montana 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 | $1,347 – $4,281 | $682 – $1,732 | $448 – $909 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,434 – $6,443 | $1,203 – $2,374 | $504 – $1,005 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,364 – $8,602 | $1,592 – $3,077 | $648 – $1,292 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,347 – $4,281
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,434 – $6,443
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,364 – $8,602
How much do moving containers cost from Montana to South Dakota?
- Small move: $682 – $1,732
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,203 – $2,374
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,592 – $3,077
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $448 – $909
- 2–3 bedrooms: $504 – $1,005
- 4+ bedrooms: $648 – $1,292
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 663-mile move from MT 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 MT to SD?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Montana | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $974 | $878 |
| Average home cost | $462,631 | $306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,341 | $69,457 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 1.9% |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 6.4% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Dakota?
Rent is about 10% lower in South Dakota than in Montana.
Avg rent: $974 vs. $878
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 34% lower in South Dakota than in Montana.
Avg home value: $462,631 vs. $306,944
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Montana and South Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $66,341 vs. $69,457
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Dakota?
The cost of living is about the same in Montana and South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
South Dakota has a sales tax, while Montana does not — expect higher costs at the register.
Avg sales tax: 0.0% 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 Montana.
State income tax: 6.75% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in South Dakota compared to Montana?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| South Dakota | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 1,132,812 |
| Political leaning | Republican 63-37 | Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 12ºF |
| Annual rain | 23″ | 15″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 49″ |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 23.37 |
Will South Dakota feel more crowded than Montana?
South Dakota is about 19% less populous than Montana — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Montana 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. 12°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Dakota?
Rain: South Dakota gets more rain (23″ vs. 15″).
Snow: South Dakota gets less snow (39 inches vs. 49 inches).
Is South Dakota safer than Montana?
South Dakota has a lower crime index than Montana (21.14 vs. 23.37), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
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 Montana to South Dakota move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a South Dakota moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in South Dakota, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage 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: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Dakota?
Some cities require 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?
No moving permit is required in South Dakota.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers must include 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.
Some movers in Montana offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Montana moving services
Popular Montana routes
Popular moving resources
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