Best Movers From South Dakota to Iowa (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from South Dakota to Iowa, you’ll likely pay between $2,094–$5,740 with professional movers, roughly
$1,718 for a moving container, and about
$622
for a rental truck.
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$1,221 — $5,740 Top local mover
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$1,221 — $8,730 Top long-distance mover
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$627 — $2,766 Top container company
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$387 — $970 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from South Dakota to Iowa
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from South Dakota to Iowa.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from South Dakota to Iowa
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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4 Bedrooms
Nov 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 21, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 10, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 03, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 09, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Iowa?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,221 – $3,644 | $627 – $1,581 | $387 – $659 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,094 – $5,740 | $1,190 – $2,246 | $388 – $856 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,694 – $8,730 | $1,581 – $2,766 | $524 – $970 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,221 – $3,644
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,094 – $5,740
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,694 – $8,730
How much do moving containers cost from South Dakota to Iowa?
- Small move: $627 – $1,581
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,190 – $2,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,581 – $2,766
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $387 – $659
- 2–3 bedrooms: $388 – $856
- 4+ bedrooms: $524 – $970
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 469-mile move from SD to IA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 IA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Dakota | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $878 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $306,944 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.4% | 6.94% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
Will rent be more expensive in Iowa?
Rent is about the same in South Dakota and Iowa.
Avg rent: $878 vs. $914
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 28% lower in Iowa than in South Dakota.
Avg home value: $306,944 vs. $220,277
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in South Dakota and Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $69,457 vs. $70,571
Is the overall cost of living higher in Iowa?
The cost of living is 11% lower in Iowa than in South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 89
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 8% higher in Iowa than in South Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.4% vs. 6.94%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Iowa has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 4.4%
How is daily life different in Iowa compared to South Dakota?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Iowa | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 23″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 21.14 |
Will Iowa feel more crowded than South Dakota?
Iowa is about 249% more populous than South Dakota — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both South Dakota and Iowa voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 85°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (10°F vs. 7°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Iowa?
Rain: Iowa gets more rain (35″ vs. 23″).
Snow: Iowa gets less snow (30 inches vs. 39 inches).
Is Iowa safer than South Dakota?
Iowa has a lower crime index than South Dakota (16.18 vs. 21.14), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Iowa?
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
Sports teams in Iowa
- Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
- Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
- Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
- Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)
Universities in Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Iowa move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Iowa?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Iowa moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Iowa?
You don’t need a moving permit in Iowa.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Discount availability varies by mover.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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