How we chose the best moving companies for your SD to AZ move
After studying pricing from 14 South Dakota movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Arizona?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Dakota to Arizona.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,414 – $5,514 |
$875 – $2,058 |
$738 – $1,452 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,024 – $7,429 |
$1,582 – $3,243 |
$806 – $1,607 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,525 – $10,185 |
$2,017 – $4,048 |
$994 – $2,002 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,246-mile move from SD to
AZ are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Arizona
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Arizona will cost between
$1,414 and
$5,514.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to AZ will
range from $3,024 to
$7,429, and a large move from South Dakota
to Arizona will cost from $5,525
to $10,185.
Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to Arizona
If you’re moving from South Dakota to Arizona,
expect to pay between $875
and $2,058 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,582 up to
$3,243.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,017 and
$4,048. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from South Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Dakota to Arizona
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$738 and
$1,452.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $806
and $1,607. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $994 up to
$2,002 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to AZ
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Dakota to Arizona. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in South Dakota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from SD to AZ
A relocation from South Dakota to Arizona comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Arizona
Comparing expenses in South Dakota and Arizona shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
South Dakota |
Arizona |
| Average rent |
$878 |
$1,308 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$72,581 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
107 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
6.4% |
8.4% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
2.5% |
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Rent in Arizona is approximately 49% higher than in South Dakota, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 40% higher in Arizona than in South Dakota.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Arizona and South Dakota.
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Moving to Arizona means you’ll be paying 7% more than you did in South Dakota. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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Unemployment in Arizona is about 89% higher than in South Dakota. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales taxes are 31% higher in Arizona than in South Dakota, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Arizona has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Arizona vs. South Dakota
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Arizona stacks up against South Dakota across important lifestyle factors:
|
Arizona |
South Dakota |
| Population |
7,431,344 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Democrat 56-44 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
99ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
34ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
12″ |
23″ |
| Annual snow |
6″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
24.89 |
21.14 |
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Arizona is about 708% more populous than South Dakota.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Arizona leaned Democrat, while South Dakota went with Republican.
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Arizona averages 99°F in summer compared to 85°F in South Dakota.
That extra heat means more sunshine and outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Arizona bottoms out around 34°F, compared to 7°F in South Dakota.
A move to Arizona with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
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You’ll enjoy about 12 inches of rain each year in Arizona, compared to 23 inches in South Dakota.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
-
In Arizona, you can expect about 6 inches of snow each year, much less than the 39 inches you’d deal with in South Dakota.
So, if you’re moving to Arizona, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
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Arizona has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 21.14.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Arizona
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Arizona versus South Dakota:
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in Arizona |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Robust job market |
Pleasant weather |
| Low cost of living |
Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Cultural diversity |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Arizona
Moving from South Dakota to Arizona comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in Arizona |
| Extreme weather |
Extreme weather |
| Small-town mindset |
Barren desert land |
| Sparsely populated |
Health hazards |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Limited public transportation |
| Unpredictable weather |
No winter |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Arizona 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.
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Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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State licensing:
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Arizona moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Arizona, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Arizona without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Arizona
Get ready to discover all that Arizona has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Arizona
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
Parks in Arizona
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
Sports teams in Arizona
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns Basketball (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
Universities in Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Arizona?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to Arizona?
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Arizona?
The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona, such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Arizona?
Living in South Dakota usually costs less than in Arizona.
Housing
is much more affordable in South Dakota,
with average rent about 33% less and home prices 28% lower than in Arizona.
The tax rate is about the same between South Dakota and Arizona.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Arizona?
You should make approximately $63,608 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona.
The cost of living in Arizona is about $2,392 per month for an individual and $5,612 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
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When moving from South Dakota to Arizona, expect to spend between
$3,024–$7,429 if using professional movers, about
$2,412 for a moving container, and around
$1,206
for a rental truck.
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