Best Movers From Pennsylvania to South Dakota (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, expect to spend between
$2,674–$6,226 if using professional movers, about
$2,460 for a moving container, and around
$1,371
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Let’s get moving.
-
$1,130 — $6,226 Top local mover
-
$1,130 — $8,605 Top long-distance mover
-
$951 — $4,259 Top container company
-
$814 — $2,192 Top truck rental
-
$59 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Pennsylvania to South Dakota
After assessing 3,180 movers, moveBuddha concluded that 2,641 (83%) provide interstate moving. Applying our thorough rating methodology, our experts narrowed the list to the best companies equipped to manage your move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
4 Bedrooms
Nov 17, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 01, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 23, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 09, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 03, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania 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 | $1,130 – $4,646 | $951 – $2,154 | $814 – $1,587 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,674 – $6,226 | $1,586 – $3,335 | $836 – $1,906 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,374 – $8,605 | $2,154 – $4,259 | $1,151 – $2,192 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,130 – $4,646
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,674 – $6,226
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,374 – $8,605
How much do moving containers cost from Pennsylvania to South Dakota?
- Small move: $951 – $2,154
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,586 – $3,335
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,154 – $4,259
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $814 – $1,587
- 2–3 bedrooms: $836 – $1,906
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,151 – $2,192
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 1,353-mile move from PA 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 PA to SD?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Pennsylvania | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,110 | $878 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $69,457 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 1.9% |
| Average sales tax | 6.34% | 6.4% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Dakota?
Rent is about 21% lower in South Dakota than in Pennsylvania.
Avg rent: $1,110 vs. $878
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 14% higher in South Dakota than in Pennsylvania.
Avg home value: $268,824 vs. $306,944
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $73,170 vs. $69,457
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Dakota?
The cost of living is about the same in Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 99 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.34% 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 Pennsylvania.
State income tax: 3.07% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in South Dakota compared to Pennsylvania?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| South Dakota | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Republican 63-37 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 23″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 17.62 |
Will South Dakota feel more crowded than Pennsylvania?
South Dakota is about 93% less populous than Pennsylvania — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Pennsylvania and South Dakota voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 83°F).
Winter: South Dakota is colder on average (7°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Dakota?
Rain: South Dakota gets less rain (23″ vs. 44″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (39 inches vs. 38 inches).
Is South Dakota safer than Pennsylvania?
South Dakota has a higher crime index than Pennsylvania (21.14 vs. 17.62). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
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 Pennsylvania 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.
- State regulator: Easily verify a South Dakota moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Dakota?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles.
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?
You won’t need a moving permit 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.
Interstate movers must provide 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 Pennsylvania offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
