How we chose the best moving companies for your SD to NC 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 North Carolina?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Dakota to North Carolina.
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 |
$1,375 – $5,260 |
$920 – $2,480 |
$872 – $1,739 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,283 – $7,897 |
$1,799 – $3,479 |
$1,001 – $2,090 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,782 – $10,953 |
$2,474 – $4,461 |
$1,163 – $2,603 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,531-mile move from SD to
NC 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 North Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to North Carolina will cost between
$1,375 and
$5,260.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to NC will
range from $3,283 to
$7,897, and a large move from South Dakota
to North Carolina will cost from $5,782
to $10,953.
Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to North Carolina
If you’re moving from South Dakota to North Carolina,
expect to pay between $920
and $2,480 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,799 up to
$3,479.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,474 and
$4,461. 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 North Carolina
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
$872 and
$1,739.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,001
and $2,090. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,163 up to
$2,603 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to NC
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Dakota to North Carolina. 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 NC
A relocation from South Dakota to North Carolina comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. North Carolina
Comparing expenses in South Dakota and North Carolina 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 |
North Carolina |
| Average rent |
$878 |
$1,093 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$66,186 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
3.7% |
| Average sales tax |
6.4% |
6.98% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
4.5% |
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Rent in North Carolina is approximately 24% higher than in South Dakota, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 7% higher in North Carolina 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 North Carolina and South Dakota.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in North Carolina and South Dakota, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment in North Carolina is about 95% 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 taxes are 9% higher in North Carolina than in South Dakota, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina stacks up against South Dakota across important lifestyle factors:
|
North Carolina |
South Dakota |
| Population |
10,835,491 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
29ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
23″ |
| Annual snow |
4″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
24.69 |
21.14 |
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North Carolina is about 1079% 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 North Carolina supported the Republican candidate.
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In North Carolina, summer highs hover around 88°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.
-
During the coldest part of the year, North Carolina bottoms out around 29°F, compared to 7°F in South Dakota.
A move to North Carolina with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
Expect about 48 inches of rain each year in North Carolina, 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.
-
In North Carolina, you can expect about 4 inches of snow each year, much less than the 39 inches you’d deal with in South Dakota.
So, if you’re moving to North Carolina, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
North Carolina has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 24.69 vs. 21.14.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. North Carolina
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in North Carolina versus South Dakota:
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in North Carolina |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Great communities |
| Robust job market |
Low cost of living |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
High quality of life |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. North Carolina
Moving from South Dakota to North Carolina 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 North Carolina |
| Extreme weather |
Hurricanes |
| Small-town mindset |
Bland weather |
| Sparsely populated |
High crime rate |
| Strange and offensive laws |
High tax burden |
| Unpredictable weather |
Poor education |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to North Carolina 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.
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State licensing:
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division.
All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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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 North Carolina
Get ready to discover all that North Carolina has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in North Carolina
- Biltmore
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Greensboro Science Center
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Parks in North Carolina
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
- Mingo Falls
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Fontana Lake
Sports teams in North Carolina
- Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
- Carolina Panthers (NFL)
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Charlotte FC (MLS)
Universities in North Carolina
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- East Carolina University
- Appalachian State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to North Carolina?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to North Carolina?
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to North Carolina?
The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to North Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in North Carolina, such as great communities and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or North Carolina?
Living in South Dakota usually costs less than in North Carolina.
Housing
is more affordable in South Dakota,
with average rent about 20% less and home prices 7% lower than in North Carolina.
The tax rate is about the same between South Dakota and North Carolina.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Carolina?
You should make approximately $43,333 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in North Carolina.
The cost of living in North Carolina is about $3,876 per month for an individual and $6,644 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh 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 North Carolina, expect to spend between
$3,283–$7,897 if using professional movers, about
$2,639 for a moving container, and around
$1,545
for a rental truck.
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