How we chose the best moving companies for your SD to MI move
After studying pricing from 14 South Dakota movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Michigan?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Dakota to Michigan.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| 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 |
*Estimated costs for a 859-mile move from SD to
MI are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Michigan
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Michigan will cost between
$1,272 and
$4,873.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to MI will
range from $2,673 to
$6,806, and a large move from South Dakota
to Michigan will cost from $4,733
to $9,075.
Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to Michigan
If you’re moving from South Dakota to Michigan,
expect to pay between $735
and $1,805 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,403 up to
$2,556.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,813 and
$3,696. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from South Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Dakota to Michigan
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$539 and
$1,059.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $582
and $1,297. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $790 up to
$1,575 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to MI
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Dakota to Michigan. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in South Dakota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from SD to MI
A relocation from South Dakota to Michigan comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Michigan
Comparing expenses in South Dakota and Michigan shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
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% |
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Rent in Michigan is approximately 18% higher than in South Dakota, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 20% lower in Michigan than in South Dakota.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Michigan and South Dakota.
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Living in Michigan is about 8% cheaper than South Dakota. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Michigan is about 147% higher than in South Dakota. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 6% lower than in South Dakota. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Michigan can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Michigan 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 Michigan vs. South Dakota
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Michigan stacks up against South Dakota across important lifestyle factors:
|
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 |
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Michigan is about 992% more populous than South Dakota.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both South Dakota and Michigan supported the Republican candidate.
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In Michigan, summer highs hover around 81°F, while South Dakota sits at 85°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
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During the coldest part of the year, Michigan bottoms out around 14°F, compared to 7°F in South Dakota.
A move to Michigan with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
Expect about 34 inches of rain each year in Michigan, a noticeable difference from the 23 inches you’re used to in South Dakota.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
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Every year, Michigan gets around 64 inches of snow, much more than the 39 inches that South Dakota typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Michigan and South Dakota have similar crime rates (19.98 vs. 21.14).
Even with similar state-level crime rates, the distribution of crime can vary widely, so it’s important to research at the city or neighborhood level, as well.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Michigan
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Michigan versus South Dakota:
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Scenic beauty |
| Robust job market |
Good higher education |
| Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Low cost of living |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Michigan
Moving from South Dakota to Michigan comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Extreme weather |
Cold snowy winters |
| Small-town mindset |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Sparsely populated |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Expensive education |
| Unpredictable weather |
Thick accents |
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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Michigan moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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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.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Michigan
Get ready to discover all that Michigan has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Michigan?
The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Michigan?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in South Dakota.
Housing
is much more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 18% less and home prices 20% lower than in South Dakota.
The tax rate is about the same between South Dakota and Michigan.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
You should make approximately $54,934 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Michigan.
The cost of living in Michigan is about $3,608 per month for an individual and $6,859 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
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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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