How we chose the best moving companies for your SD to IL move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 14 South Dakota moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Dakota to Illinois.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,326 – $4,130 |
$747 – $1,636 |
$520 – $929 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,589 – $6,661 |
$1,281 – $2,584 |
$507 – $1,059 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,234 – $8,517 |
$1,629 – $3,096 |
$682 – $1,310 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 709-mile move from SD to
IL using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Dakota to Illinois,
you can expect prices to land between $1,326
and $4,130.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,589 to
$6,661 for the trip from SD
to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$4,234 and
$8,517.
Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to Illinois
Moving containers from South Dakota to Illinois
will cost you $747 to
$1,636 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,281
to $2,584. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,629 to
$3,096.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of South Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Dakota to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$520
and $929
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $507
to $1,059.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$682
to $1,310.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to IL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from South Dakota to Illinois. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in South Dakota generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from SD to IL
Making the move from South Dakota to Illinois means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Illinois
A clear look at the cost differences between South Dakota and Illinois helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
South Dakota |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$878 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.4% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
4.95% |
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Rent in Illinois is about 34% higher than in South Dakota. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
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Home prices in Illinois are around 19% lower than in South Dakota. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 13% higher in Illinois than in South Dakota, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Living in Illinois costs about 10% less than in South Dakota. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Illinois is roughly 179% higher than in South Dakota. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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Sales taxes are 38% higher in Illinois than in South Dakota, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
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Illinois has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Illinois vs. South Dakota
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Illinois and South Dakota compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Illinois |
South Dakota |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
23″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
21.14 |
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Illinois has a population that’s about 1265% larger than South Dakota.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
-
In the latest presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while South Dakota chose Republican.
-
Summer highs average 86°F in Illinois, compared to 85°F in South Dakota.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Illinois has winter lows around 17°F, compared to 7°F in South Dakota.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus only 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Illinois, you’ll get about 22 inches of snow each year, far less than South Dakota.
That means moving to Illinois will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Moving to Illinois means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 19.7 versus South Dakota’s 21.14, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Illinois
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Illinois compared to South Dakota:
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Home of chicago |
| Robust job market |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Delicious food |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Illinois
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from South Dakota to Illinois:
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Extreme weather |
Harsh winter weather |
| Small-town mindset |
Bad traffic |
| Sparsely populated |
High crime rate |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Dull landscape |
| Unpredictable weather |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Illinois move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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State licensing:
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Illinois moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
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Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois 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,” free of charge. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
You’ll have plenty to explore in Illinois! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Illinois?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave South Dakota for Illinois, drawn by advantages like home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in South Dakota.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 34% less and home prices 19% lower than in South Dakota.
The tax rate is about the same between South Dakota and Illinois.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Illinois, you should aim to make around $83,234.
On average, expect to spend about $3,434 per month, or $7,489 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
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For a move from South Dakota to Illinois, budget between $2,589–$6,661 for full-service movers, around
$1,932 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$783
for a rental truck.
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