($1,696) Cost of Moving From South Dakota to Montana

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Montana to South Dakota guide.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
• North American Van Lines: Best customized plans

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. Brouwer Relocation Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Movin' On Out Inc: 4.42 out of 5 stars
4. Green's Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Thomas & Sons Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Montana

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Dakota to Montana, you can expect prices to land between $1,696 and $5,123. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,348 to $8,353 for the trip from SD to MT. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,884 and $11,045.

Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to Montana

Moving from South Dakota to Montana? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $893 and $2,267. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,689 to $3,299. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,130 up to $4,276. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Dakota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Dakota to Montana

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $599 and $1,110. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $634 and $1,345. Moving from South Dakota to Montana or dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $775 and $1,561.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to MT

Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from South Dakota to Montana. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:

• Move size: Moving a bigger home is pricier than relocating a small studio.
• Time of year: Rates usually go up during the summer, which is peak moving season in South Dakota.
• DIY vs. professional mover: You’ll save money moving yourself, but hiring professionals means less hassle and no heavy lifting for you.

• If you’re moving from South Dakota to Montana, you’ll find Montana has about 23% more people. That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
• In the most recent presidential election, Montana leaned Republican, while South Dakota went with Republican.
• Summer temperatures usually hit around 84ºF in Montana and 85ºF in South Dakota. If those numbers are close, you’ll likely have an easy time getting used to the new climate. Just don’t forget to think about humidity, typical weather, and energy costs to get the full picture of summer in your new place.
• Winter temperatures in Montana hover around 12ºF, while South Dakota can dip to a chilly 7ºF. By making the move to Montana, you’ll enjoy gentler winters, making life a bit easier and often more affordable. Plus, with less snow and cold, you’ll have more chances to get outdoors. If you’re ready to swap snow shovels for sunnier days, this is the perfect change for you.
• In Montana, you’ll see about 15 inches of rain each year, less than the 23 inches you’re used to in South Dakota. Get ready for more sunshine, extra outdoor fun, and fewer weather-related worries.
• Every year, Montana gets around 49 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 and need plenty of warm gear.
• Montana has a higher crime rate than South Dakota, with a crime index of 23.37 compared to 21.14. While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it's smart to research neighborhoods, stay update

Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Montana move

• Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
• 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: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
• Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
• State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
• State regulator: You can quickly check a Montana moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
• Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Montana, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
• Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Montana right on time. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as "released value protection," at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.

Museums in Montana

• National Museum of Wildlife Art
• Museum of the Rockies
• Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
• Moss Mansion
• Conrad Mansion

Parks in Montana

• Lone Pine State Park
• Caras Park
• Sacajawea Park
• Herron Park
• Phil Baux Park

Sports Teams in Montana

• Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
• Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)

Universities in Montana

• Montana State University
• The University of Montana
• Montana Tech
• Montana State University Billings
• Carroll College