($1,380) Moving From South Dakota to Tennessee

Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Dakota to Tennessee ranges from $792 to $7,248 and takes two-eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service South Dakota moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from South Dakota to Tennessee separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best South Dakota to Tennessee movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from South Dakota to Tennessee is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving South Dakota to Tennessee:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local South Dakota movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Thomas & Sons Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
3333 Sturgis Rd, Rapid City, SD, 57702
(605) 787-3871
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
222 N Marion Rd Suite B, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107
(605) 550-4799

Visit our Best Movers in South Dakota page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Tennessee?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from South Dakota to Tennessee for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,380 - $5,683 $934 - $2,304 $748 - $1,409
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,203 - $7,248 $1,542 - $3,252 $792 - $1,642
4+ bedrooms $5,556 - $9,933 $2,174 - $4,085 $1,046 - $2,126

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,150 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to TN

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota to Tennessee will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in South Dakota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Tennessee?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Tennessee will cost between $1,380 and $5,683. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to TN will range from $3,203 to $7,248, and a large move from South Dakota to Tennessee will cost from $5,556 to $9,933.

How much are moving containers like PODS from South Dakota to Tennessee?

Moving containers from South Dakota to Tennessee will cost you $934 to $2,304 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,542 to $3,252. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,174 to $4,085. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Dakota.

How much is a moving truck from South Dakota to Tennessee?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $748 to $1,409. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $792 to $1,642, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Dakota to Tennessee costs from $1,046 to $2,126.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from South Dakota to Tennessee a good idea?

If you’re moving to Tennessee from South Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Tennessee

South Dakota Tennessee
Average rent cost $761 $897
Average home cost $291,081 $309,913
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $64,035
Cost of Living Index 100 0
Unemployment rate 2.0% 3.5%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 9.55%
State Income Tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 18% more expensive in Tennessee than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 6% higher in Tennessee than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 8% lower in Tennessee than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 100% lower in Tennessee than in South Dakota.
  • Tennessee has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 75%.
  • Sales taxes are 49% higher in Tennessee than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are the same in Tennessee and South Dakota.

How does life in Tennessee differ from South Dakota?

Tennessee South Dakota
Population 7,051,339 895,376
Political leaning Republican 61-37 Republican 66-34
Summer high 88ºF 85ºF
Winter low 27ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 53" 23"
Annual snow 5" 39"
Crime index 29.59 24.75
  • The population of Tennessee is approximately 688% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Tennessee voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Tennessee is 88ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Tennessee reaches the temperature of 27ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about fifty-three inches of annual rainfall in Tennessee versus twenty-three inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Tennessee, it snows about five inches annually versus thirty-nine inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Tennessee has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 29.59 vs 24.75.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Tennessee

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in South Dakota versus Tennessee side by side.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Tennessee
Outstanding tax benefits Abundant recreational opportunities
Robust job market No income taxes
Low cost of living Legendary music scene
Beautiful rural landscapes Natural beauty and parks galore
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Delicious southern comfort food

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Tennessee

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Tennessee.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Tennessee
Extreme weather Tendency for severe weather
Small-town mindset Oppressive summer heat and humidity
Sparsely populated Abundant presence of nuclear power plants
Strange and offensive laws Traffic congestion
Unpredictable weather High urban crime rates

What to know before your move to Tennessee

  • Weather: Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Tennessee. Get started here.
  • 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. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Tennessee

While you’re in Tennessee, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • The Smokies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Elvis Presley's Graceland
  • Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Museum
  • Tennessee Aquarium
  • Dollywood
  • The Hermitage: President Andrew Jackson's Home
  • Memphis Zoo and Aquarium
  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Titanic Museum
  • Ruby Falls
  • Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area
  • The Parthenon
  • American Museum of Science and Energy
  • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
  • Lookout Mountain
  • Beale Street
  • The Lost Sea Adventure
  • Bell Witch Cave
  • Ryman Auditorium
  • Crystal Shrine Grotto

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Tennessee?

The cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Tennessee is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Tennessee?

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Tennessee are the amazing upsides of living in Tennessee such as abundant recreational opportunities and no income taxes.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Tennessee?

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in Tennessee. Housing is more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 15% less and home prices 6% lower than in Tennessee.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Tennessee?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Tennessee you live For example, larger cities like Alcoa and Arlington will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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