($1,102+) Sioux Falls, SD to Oakland, CA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Oakland, CA, runs anywhere from $1,124 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,669 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,739 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 $2,956, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,669 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,470 - $5,425, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,124 - $2,965.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Oakland, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,970 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 Oakland, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Sioux Falls to Oakland: 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 $3,970 - $8,919. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,739 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 1,739-mile route from Sioux Falls to Oakland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,956 for a studio up to $12,669 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,470 - $5,425 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,124 - $2,965, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,462 - $4,603, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Oakland, CA
For the 1,739-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Oakland, California, full-service movers cost between $2,956 and $12,669. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $399 - $2,660 (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 Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,956 - $6,643
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,970 - $8,919
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,952 - $12,669
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 Oakland.
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: 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 Oakland, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 71% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Oakland, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $665 - $6,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $266 - $1,596/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $399 - $3,192 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage57% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,330 - $3,990 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,325 - $13,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $996 - $1,893 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Movin' On Out Inc | $1,330 - $3,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type57% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,064 - $4,655 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $399 - $1,995 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Brouwer Relocation Inc | $865 - $2,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $399 - $19,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $399 - $4,655+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Oakland?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Oakland, CA
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Oakland, California, cost between $1,470 and $5,425. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Sioux Falls typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,470 - $2,831
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,079 - $4,002
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,674 - $5,425
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $931 in Sioux Falls, SD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $100 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $200 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Oakland, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,470. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,079 - $4,002, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Oakland?
- 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:
- 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 Oakland, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,739-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Oakland, California, costs between $1,124 and $2,965, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $736 - $841
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Oakland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,124 - $1,975
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,180 - $2,522
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,444 - $2,965
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Sioux Falls to Oakland starts at $1,124 - $2,965, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($736 - $841) , overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $200 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 $86 and $432 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $736 - $841 in fuel for the 1,739-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $931 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 Oakland?
- 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 $1,631 and $3,169.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,462 - $2,626
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,631 - $3,169
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,603
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $931.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $100 - $200 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 Oakland?
- 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.
- 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 Oakland. 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 Oakland, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Oakland, side by side with Sioux Falls on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sioux Falls, SD | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 196 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $2,200/mo |
| Median home value | $272,355 | $925,411 |
| Average income | $74,714/yr | $97,369/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 57.17/100 | 31.38/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Oakland, 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 1,739-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,739-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Oakland, CA, costs between $2,956 and $12,669 with full-service movers, $1,470 - $5,425 with a moving container, and $1,124 - $2,965 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 $3,970 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 Kaiser Permanente and Dreyer's.
FAQs: Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Oakland, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Sioux Falls, SD to Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 ($736 - $841), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Sioux Falls, SD to Oakland, 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 $1,180 - $2,522. 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.
