Moving from Montana to South Dakota (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 663-mile interstate move from Montana to South Dakota. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 1,190 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Montana to South Dakota?
The rates below are based on 1,190 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 663-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,380 - $4,310 | $740 - $1,730 | $490 - $910 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,450 - $6,230 | $1,360 - $2,590 | $520 - $1,060 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,710 - $9,110 | $1,650 - $3,360 | $690 - $1,340 |
Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 85% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
32% of movers in Montana offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a Montana to South Dakota move
The ranges above cover loading, 663 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Montana to South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $640 - $1,660 |
| Packing materials only | $150 - $430 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $330 - $900 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $280 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $80 - $250 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $180 - $430 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $200 - $580 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $400 - $600 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 663-mile haul.
11% of movers in Montana handle piano moves, 11% handle pool tables, and 16% handle safes. 16% of Montana movers require a deposit to book, and 0% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Montana to South Dakota Movers
These movers average a 88% positive review rate among Montana movers we track.
Compare movers for your Montana to South Dakota move
Here are the top long-distance movers in Montana we've reviewed that can help with your move to South Dakota:
0% of Montana movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT 59802
523 Business Hub Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714
1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601
9562 Futurity Dr Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808
209 Commerce, Missoula, MT 59808
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Alternate Montana to South Dakota moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Montana to South Dakota move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 85% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Montana run $61 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the South Dakota end. 11% of movers in Montana offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Montana on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in South Dakota for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $317 - $818 to rent in Montana, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Montana to South Dakota move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our South Dakota to Montana guide.
Montana to South Dakota cost of living comparison
moveBuddha tracks moving trends across every major U.S. route. Cost of living, job markets, housing affordability, and lifestyle are the top drivers of state-to-state moves. Here's how Montana and South Dakota compare on the factors that most commonly drive this relocation:
| Factor | Montana | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Average household income | $66,341 | $69,457 |
| Median home value | $462,631 | $306,944 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 1.9% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 0.0% |
| Average monthly rent | $974 | $878 |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 6.4% |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 21.14 |
| College graduation rate | 34.8% | 30.0% |
| Population | 1,132,812 | 919,318 |
The cost of living in South Dakota is comparable to Montana, so most people making this move are driven by career, family, or personal reasons rather than cost differences. Day-to-day expenses should feel familiar after you settle in.
South Dakota's largest industries are Finance and insurance ($8.1 billion), Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($5.4 billion), and Manufacturing ($5.1 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Montana to South Dakota
Should I ship my car when moving from Montana to South Dakota?
Whether to ship your car or drive it comes down to distance, timeline, and vehicle count. Auto transport for a Montana to South Dakota move typically costs $600 - $1,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, with open transport cheaper than enclosed. Most people ship when the drive would take more than 2 days, or they're relocating more than 1 vehicle.
How far in advance should I book an interstate move?
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for off-season moves (October-April), or 8-12 weeks ahead for peak season (mid-May-mid-September). This 663-mile route runs Montana to South Dakota.
What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?
Access fees run $80 - $250, and long carries over 75ft add $130 - $400. Shuttle service costs $200 - $580 if the truck can't reach your home. Fuel surcharges add 10% - 22% (about $140 - $1,370 here), specialty items like pianos run $330 - $900 each, and storage-in-transit is $180 - $430 per month. 16% of Montana movers also require a deposit.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Montana at Montana's official regulatorandin South Dakota at South Dakota's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Montana to South Dakota move?
People making this move are often chasing outstanding tax benefits in South Dakota.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 60% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
Popular Montana to South Dakota moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Montana to South Dakota corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Montana to South Dakota: the bottom line
The cost to move from Montana to South Dakota depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 60% - 85% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 663-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.