How we chose the best moving companies for your SD to WI 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 Wisconsin?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Dakota to Wisconsin.
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 |
$1,328 – $3,986 |
$639 – $1,621 |
$426 – $786 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,332 – $5,940 |
$1,152 – $2,425 |
$488 – $944 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,466 – $9,220 |
$1,698 – $2,889 |
$574 – $1,174 |
*Estimated costs for a 598-mile move from SD to
WI 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 Wisconsin
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Wisconsin will cost between
$1,328 and
$3,986.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to WI will
range from $2,332 to
$5,940, and a large move from South Dakota
to Wisconsin will cost from $4,466
to $9,220.
Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to Wisconsin
If you’re moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin,
expect to pay between $639
and $1,621 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,152 up to
$2,425.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,698 and
$2,889. 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 Wisconsin
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
$426 and
$786.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $488
and $944. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $574 up to
$1,174 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to WI
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Dakota to Wisconsin. 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 WI
A relocation from South Dakota to Wisconsin comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Wisconsin
Comparing expenses in South Dakota and Wisconsin 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 |
Wisconsin |
| Average rent |
$878 |
$1,100 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$306,566 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$72,458 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.4% |
5.43% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
7.65% |
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Rent in Wisconsin is approximately 25% higher than in South Dakota, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Home prices are about the same in Wisconsin and South Dakota, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Wisconsin and South Dakota.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is about 53% 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 Wisconsin is 15% lower than in South Dakota. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Wisconsin can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin stacks up against South Dakota across important lifestyle factors:
|
Wisconsin |
South Dakota |
| Population |
5,910,955 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
7ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
23″ |
| Annual snow |
48″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
16.82 |
21.14 |
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Wisconsin is about 543% 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 Wisconsin supported the Republican candidate.
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In Wisconsin, 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.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches about 7°F and South Dakota gets down to 7°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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Expect about 34 inches of rain each year in Wisconsin, 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, Wisconsin gets around 48 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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Wisconsin has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 16.82 vs. 21.14.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Wisconsin
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Wisconsin versus South Dakota:
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in Wisconsin |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Low cost of living |
| Robust job market |
High quality of life |
| Low cost of living |
Abundant outdoor recreational activities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Unique tasty food |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Borders great lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Wisconsin
Moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin |
| Extreme weather |
High tax burden |
| Small-town mindset |
Extreme seasonal weather |
| Sparsely populated |
Lack of diversity |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Poor roads |
| Unpredictable weather |
High rate of alcoholism |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Wisconsin 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:
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state.
However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
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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 Wisconsin
Get ready to discover all that Wisconsin has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Wisconsin
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Civil War Museum
- Hearthstone Historic House Museum
- Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame
Parks in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Deer Park
- Cave Point County Park
- Timbavati Wildlife Park
- Carson Park
- Petrifying Springs Park
Sports teams in Wisconsin
- Green Bay Packers (NFL)
- Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
- Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League)
- Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
Universities in Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Wisconsin?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to Wisconsin?
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin?
The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin, such as low cost of living and high quality of life.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Wisconsin?
Living in Wisconsin usually costs less than in South Dakota.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
The tax rate is about the same between South Dakota and Wisconsin.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Wisconsin?
You should make approximately $58,399 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Wisconsin.
The cost of living in Wisconsin is about $2,391 per month for an individual and $5,463 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Milwaukee and Madison 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 Wisconsin, expect to spend between
$2,332–$5,940 if using professional movers, about
$1,788 for a moving container, and around
$716
for a rental truck.
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