Best Movers From South Dakota to Michigan (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from South Dakota to Michigan, expect to spend between
$2,673–$6,806 if using professional movers, about
$1,979 for a moving container, and around
$939
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,272 — $6,806 Top local mover
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$1,272 — $9,075 Top long-distance mover
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$735 — $3,696 Top container company
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$539 — $1,575 Top truck rental
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$60 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from South Dakota to Michigan
After assessing 3,180 movers, moveBuddha concluded that 2,641 (83%) provide interstate moving. Applying our thorough rating methodology, our experts narrowed the list to the best companies equipped to manage your move from South Dakota to Michigan.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from South Dakota to Michigan
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
4 Bedrooms
Nov 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 26, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 10, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 08, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 04, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,272 – $4,873 | $735 – $1,805 | $539 – $1,059 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,673 – $6,806 | $1,403 – $2,556 | $582 – $1,297 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,733 – $9,075 | $1,813 – $3,696 | $790 – $1,575 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,272 – $4,873
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,673 – $6,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,733 – $9,075
How much do moving containers cost from South Dakota to Michigan?
- Small move: $735 – $1,805
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,403 – $2,556
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,813 – $3,696
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $539 – $1,059
- 2–3 bedrooms: $582 – $1,297
- 4+ bedrooms: $790 – $1,575
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 859-mile move from SD to MI 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 MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Dakota | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $878 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $306,944 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.4% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about 18% higher in Michigan than in South Dakota.
Avg rent: $878 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 20% lower in Michigan than in South Dakota.
Avg home value: $306,944 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in South Dakota and Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $69,457 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is 8% lower in Michigan than in South Dakota.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 6% lower in Michigan than in South Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.4% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Michigan has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to South Dakota?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Michigan | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 23″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 21.14 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than South Dakota?
Michigan is about 992% 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 Michigan voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (81°F vs. 85°F).
Winter: Michigan is milder on average (14°F vs. 7°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Michigan gets more rain (34″ vs. 23″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 39 inches).
Is Michigan safer than South Dakota?
Michigan and South Dakota have similar crime rates (19.98 vs. 21.14). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Michigan move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Michigan moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Michigan?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate movers must provide basic insurance at no extra cost. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
Discount availability varies by mover.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
Popular moving resources
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