Best Movers From South Dakota to Alabama (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from South Dakota to Alabama, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,073 to
$7,069, roughly
$2,410 for a container move, and close to
$1,276
for a rental truck.
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$1,433 — $7,069 Top local mover
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$1,433 — $9,469 Top long-distance mover
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$882 — $4,133 Top container company
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$770 — $2,047 Top truck rental
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$59 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from South Dakota to Alabama
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 South Dakota to Alabama.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from South Dakota to Alabama
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 05, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 03, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 20, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 13, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 06, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Alabama?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,433 – $5,241 | $882 – $2,075 | $770 – $1,396 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,073 – $7,069 | $1,611 – $3,209 | $874 – $1,679 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,281 – $9,469 | $2,248 – $4,133 | $1,036 – $2,047 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,433 – $5,241
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,073 – $7,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,281 – $9,469
How much do moving containers cost from South Dakota to Alabama?
- Small move: $882 – $2,075
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,611 – $3,209
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,248 – $4,133
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $770 – $1,396
- 2–3 bedrooms: $874 – $1,679
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,036 – $2,047
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 1,299-mile move from SD to AL 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 SD to AL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Dakota | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $878 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $306,944 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 6.4% | 9.22% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Alabama?
Rent is about the same in South Dakota and Alabama.
Avg rent: $878 vs. $925
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 26% lower in Alabama than in South Dakota.
Avg home value: $306,944 vs. $227,508
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 14% lower in Alabama than in South Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $69,457 vs. $59,609
Is the overall cost of living higher in Alabama?
The cost of living is 12% lower in Alabama than in South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 88
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 44% higher in Alabama than in South Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.4% vs. 9.22%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Alabama has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 5.0%
How is daily life different in Alabama compared to South Dakota?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Alabama | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,108,468 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 65-35 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 56″ | 23″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 21.48 | 21.14 |
Will Alabama feel more crowded than South Dakota?
Alabama is about 456% more populous than South Dakota — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both South Dakota and Alabama voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Alabama is hotter on average (91°F vs. 85°F).
Winter: Alabama is milder on average (33°F vs. 7°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Alabama?
Rain: Alabama gets more rain (56″ vs. 23″).
Snow: Alabama gets less snow (1 inch vs. 39 inches).
Is Alabama safer than South Dakota?
Alabama and South Dakota have similar crime rates (21.48 vs. 21.14). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
What are some things to do in Alabama?
Museums in Alabama
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Legacy Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Parks in Alabama
- Gulf State Park
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Sipsey Wilderness
- The Wharf
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Sports teams in Alabama
- Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
- AFC Mobile (NPSL)
- Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
- Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)
Universities in Alabama
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Alabama 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Alabama, 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. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- 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 Alabama?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Alabama?
To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Alabama moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Alabama?
No moving permit is required in Alabama.
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. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
Discount availability varies by mover.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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