($1,019+) Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,019 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,304 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,654, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,304 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,503 - $5,375, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,019 - $2,909.
- 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 $3,745 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,745 - $8,576. Containers cost roughly 50% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 71% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,731 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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 makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,654 - $6,266 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,503 - $2,807), rental truck ($1,019 - $1,863), or freight trailer ($1,261 - $2,378). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,745 - $8,576 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,304.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA
For the 1,731-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Modesto, California, full-service movers cost between $2,654 and $12,304. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $303 - $2,020 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Sioux Falls generally start 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: $2,654 - $6,266
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,745 - $8,576
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,423 - $12,304
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.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs29% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type21% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Modesto?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 $1,503 and $5,375. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Sioux Falls costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,503 - $2,807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,867 - $3,774
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,600 - $5,375
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $152 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $707 in Sioux Falls, SD, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Modesto, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,503. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,867 - $3,774.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Modesto?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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:
- Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
- Mini Movers Inc (4.0/5), 35 years in business
- MICHAEL JUNK- Junk Removal Services
Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Modesto, CA
Plan on $1,019 - $2,909 for a rental moving truck on the 1,731-mile route from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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 size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 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: $1,019 - $1,863
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,081 - $2,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,349 - $2,909
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Sioux Falls to Modesto starts at $1,019 - $2,909, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($556 - $636), overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $707.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $556 - $636 for the 1,731-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $328, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 per night for hotel stops on the 1,731-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $303 - $455.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Modesto?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,463 and $2,927.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,261 - $2,378
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,463 - $2,927
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,058 - $4,176
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $707.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $76 - $152 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Modesto?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Modesto fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 index | 91 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $272,355 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $74,714/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 57.17/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Dakota to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 27 movers based in South Dakota, handy for sizing up options on this 1,731-mile route.
Our take
The 1,731-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Modesto, CA, costs between $2,654 and $12,304 with full-service movers, $1,503 - $5,375 with a moving container, and $1,019 - $2,909 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 $3,745 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 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.
How do I know a mover is 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.
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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Modesto a safe place to live?
Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, compared to 57.17 and 42.83 in Sioux Falls. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Sioux Falls movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 21% of movers in Sioux Falls handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.