Best Movers From Rhode Island to South Dakota (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Rhode Island to South Dakota, expect to spend between
$2,930–$5,966 if using professional movers, about
$2,665 for a moving container, and around
$1,605
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,158 — $5,966 Top local mover
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$1,158 — $8,889 Top long-distance mover
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$1,014 — $4,851 Top container company
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$1,021 — $2,830 Top truck rental
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$61 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island to South Dakota.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Rhode Island to South Dakota
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 03, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 20, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 01, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 11, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island 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 | $1,158 – $4,394 | $1,014 – $2,500 | $1,021 – $1,908 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,930 – $5,966 | $1,789 – $3,542 | $1,053 – $2,158 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,375 – $8,889 | $2,542 – $4,851 | $1,314 – $2,830 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,158 – $4,394
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,930 – $5,966
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,375 – $8,889
How much do moving containers cost from Rhode Island to South Dakota?
- Small move: $1,014 – $2,500
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,789 – $3,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,542 – $4,851
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,021 – $1,908
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,053 – $2,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,314 – $2,830
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 1,700-mile move from RI 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 RI to SD?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Rhode Island | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,195 | $878 |
| Average home cost | $467,485 | $306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,370 | $69,457 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 1.9% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 6.4% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Dakota?
Rent is about 27% lower in South Dakota than in Rhode Island.
Avg rent: $1,195 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 Rhode Island.
Avg home value: $467,485 vs. $306,944
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 15% lower in South Dakota than in Rhode Island.
Avg income (per capita): $81,370 vs. $69,457
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Dakota?
The cost of living is about the same in Rhode Island and South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 9% lower in South Dakota than in Rhode Island.
Avg sales tax: 7.0% 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 Rhode Island.
State income tax: 5.99% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in South Dakota compared to Rhode Island?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| South Dakota | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 1,093,734 |
| Political leaning | Republican 63-37 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 23″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 35″ |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 14.58 |
Will South Dakota feel more crowded than Rhode Island?
South Dakota is about 16% less populous than Rhode Island — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican while Rhode Island voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 82°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. 50″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (39 inches vs. 35 inches).
Is South Dakota safer than Rhode Island?
South Dakota has a higher crime index than Rhode Island (21.14 vs. 14.58). 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 Rhode Island 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.
Discount availability varies by mover.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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