When planning a move from South Dakota to California, professional movers typically run between
$3,369 and $7,464, a moving container averages about
$2,660, and a rental truck is around
$1,582.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,444 – $5,380 | $968 – $2,509 | $940 – $1,895 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,369 – $7,464 | $1,727 – $3,594 | $996 – $2,168 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,403 – $11,733 | $2,380 – $4,717 | $1,332 – $2,599 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,444 – $5,380
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,369 – $7,464
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,403 – $11,733
How much do moving containers cost from South Dakota to California?
- Small move: $968 – $2,509
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,727 – $3,594
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,380 – $4,717
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $940 – $1,895
- 2–3 bedrooms: $996 – $2,168
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,332 – $2,599
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 1,660-mile move from SD to CA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Dakota | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $878 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $306,944 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.4% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 111% higher in California than in South Dakota.
Avg rent: $878 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 151% higher in California than in South Dakota.
Avg home value: $306,944 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 32% higher in California than in South Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $69,457 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 34% higher in California than in South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 36% higher in California than in South Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.4% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
California has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to South Dakota?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| California | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 23″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 21.14 |
Will California feel more crowded than South Dakota?
California is about 4145% more populous than South Dakota — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic while South Dakota voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 85°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 7°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (22″ vs. 23″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 39 inches).
Is California safer than South Dakota?
California has a higher crime index than South Dakota (28.43 vs. 21.14). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to California move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in California?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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