Best Movers From South Dakota to Kentucky (2025 Cost Data)
For a move from South Dakota to Kentucky, budget between $2,932–$7,374 for full-service movers, around
$2,285 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,170
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,319 — $7,374 Top local mover
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$1,319 — $9,821 Top long-distance mover
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$879 — $3,797 Top container company
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$659 — $1,890 Top truck rental
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$59 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from South Dakota to Kentucky
From our evaluation of 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team identified 2,641 (83%) that handle interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts selected the top companies prepared to handle your move from South Dakota to Kentucky.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from South Dakota to Kentucky
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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3 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 21, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 08, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 29, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 22, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 09, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 07, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 06, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Kentucky?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,319 – $5,339 | $879 – $2,084 | $659 – $1,332 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,932 – $7,374 | $1,424 – $3,146 | $757 – $1,583 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,044 – $9,821 | $2,087 – $3,797 | $895 – $1,890 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,319 – $5,339
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,932 – $7,374
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,044 – $9,821
How much do moving containers cost from South Dakota to Kentucky?
- Small move: $879 – $2,084
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,424 – $3,146
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,087 – $3,797
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $659 – $1,332
- 2–3 bedrooms: $757 – $1,583
- 4+ bedrooms: $895 – $1,890
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 1,118-mile move from SD to KY 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 KY?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Dakota | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $878 | $902 |
| Average home cost | $306,944 | $212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $60,183 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 93 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.4% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Kentucky?
Rent is about the same in South Dakota and Kentucky.
Avg rent: $878 vs. $902
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 31% lower in Kentucky than in South Dakota.
Avg home value: $306,944 vs. $212,088
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 13% lower in Kentucky than in South Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $69,457 vs. $60,183
Is the overall cost of living higher in Kentucky?
The cost of living is 7% lower in Kentucky than in South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 93
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 6% lower in Kentucky than in South Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.4% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Kentucky has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 4.0%
How is daily life different in Kentucky compared to South Dakota?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Kentucky | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,526,154 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64.6-33.9 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 23″ |
| Annual snow | 11″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 16.63 | 21.14 |
Will Kentucky feel more crowded than South Dakota?
Kentucky is about 392% 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 Kentucky voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 85°F).
Winter: Kentucky is milder on average (24°F vs. 7°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Kentucky?
Rain: Kentucky gets more rain (48″ vs. 23″).
Snow: Kentucky gets less snow (11 inches vs. 39 inches).
Is Kentucky safer than South Dakota?
Kentucky has a lower crime index than South Dakota (16.63 vs. 21.14), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Kentucky?
Museums in Kentucky
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Kentucky Derby Museum
- Ark Encounter
- National Corvette Museum
- The National Quilt Museum
Parks in Kentucky
- Smothers Park
- Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- Red River Gorge Geological Area
- Freeman Lake Park
Sports teams in Kentucky
- Bellarmine Knights (NCAA)
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels (NCAA)
- Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
- Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
- Morehead State Eagles (NCAA)
Universities in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Georgetown College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Kentucky 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.
- State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Kentucky moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Kentucky, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance free of charge. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Kentucky?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Kentucky moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Kentucky?
You don’t need a moving permit in Kentucky.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance free of charge. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Discount availability varies by mover.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
Popular moving resources
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