($1,017+) Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,124 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,919 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,731 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,871, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,919 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,485 - $5,480, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,124 - $3,025.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,009 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Sioux Falls to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $4,009 - $8,659. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,731-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,731-mile route from Sioux Falls to Modesto, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,871 - $6,068 $1,485 - $3,064 $1,124 - $2,057 $1,336 - $2,626
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,009 - $8,659 $1,899 - $3,879 $1,157 - $2,546 $1,647 - $3,169
4+ bedrooms $6,739 - $12,919 $2,865 - $5,480 $1,488 - $3,025 $2,248 - $4,165

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

Full-service movers for the 1,731-mile relocation from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,871 and $12,919. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $303 - $2,020, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Sioux Falls typically charge a base rate around $424 plus $182 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,871 - $6,068
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,009 - $8,659
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,739 - $12,919

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Sioux Falls to Modesto.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Dakota to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 71% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$505 - $5,050
Storage in transitNew place not ready71% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$202 - $1,212/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$303 - $2,424
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage57% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers$1,010 - $3,030
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,525 - $10,100
Car shippingSecond vehicle$756 - $1,437
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Movin' On Out Inc$1,010 - $2,525
PianoAny piano type57% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$808 - $3,535
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers$303 - $1,515
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Brouwer Relocation Inc$657 - $2,020
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$303 - $15,150+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$303 - $3,535+

What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Modesto?

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Sioux Falls, SD. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,485 and $5,480. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Modesto. If you go over that window, storage in Sioux Falls adds around $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,485 - $3,064
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,899 - $3,879
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,865 - $5,480

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $152 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Modesto, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $707 in Sioux Falls, SD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Dakota to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,485. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,899 - $3,879, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Modesto?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Sioux Falls to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Sioux Falls:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
  • Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
  • Brouwer Relocation Inc (4.9/5), 57 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

Truck rentals from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Modesto, California, range from $1,124 - $3,025 for the 1,731-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $556 - $636
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Sioux Falls daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls to Modesto based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,124 - $2,057
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,157 - $2,546
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $3,025

Pro tip: A rental truck from Sioux Falls to Modesto looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,124 - $3,025. But once you factor in fuel ($556 - $636) , overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $152 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $66 and $328 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $556 - $636 in fuel for the 1,731-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $707 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Modesto?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA

For larger DIY moves from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Modesto, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,647 and $3,169.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,626
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,647 - $3,169
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,248 - $4,165

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $76 and $152.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for roughly five hours typically average $707.

What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Modesto?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Sioux Falls to Modesto. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Modesto, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with Sioux Falls on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Sioux Falls, SD Modesto, CA
Cost of living index91116
Average rent$1,100/mo$1,800/mo
Median home value$272,355$415,024
Average income$74,714/yr$77,899/yr
Unemployment rate3.2%8.0%
State income taxNoneUp to 13.3%
Walkability score38/10048/100
Safety index57.17/10034.24/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Sioux Falls, SD guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Dakota to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. South Dakota alone has 14 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,731-mile move like this one.

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Our take

The 1,731-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Modesto, CA, costs between $2,871 and $12,919 with full-service movers, $1,485 - $5,480 with a moving container, and $1,124 - $3,025 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $4,009 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Modesto, CA

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What is the best time of year to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How long does a move from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($556 - $636), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,157 - $2,546. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Sioux Falls movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 57% of movers in Sioux Falls handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.