When planning a move from Tennessee to South Dakota, professional movers typically run between
$2,717 and $6,240, a moving container averages about
$2,360, and a rental truck is around
$1,203.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Tennessee to South Dakota?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,252 – $4,674 | $802 – $2,084 | $698 – $1,369 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,717 – $6,240 | $1,573 – $3,147 | $762 – $1,644 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,514 – $8,510 | $2,025 – $3,999 | $929 – $1,925 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,252 – $4,674
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,717 – $6,240
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,514 – $8,510
How much do moving containers cost from Tennessee to South Dakota?
- Small move: $802 – $2,084
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,573 – $3,147
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,025 – $3,999
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $698 – $1,369
- 2–3 bedrooms: $762 – $1,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $929 – $1,925
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,148-mile move from TN to SD using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from TN to SD?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Tennessee | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,047 | $878 |
| Average home cost | $319,208 | $306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,035 | $69,457 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 1.9% |
| Average sales tax | 9.55% | 6.4% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Dakota?
Rent is about 16% lower in South Dakota than in Tennessee.
Avg rent: $1,047 vs. $878
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Tennessee and South Dakota.
Avg home value: $319,208 vs. $306,944
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 8% higher in South Dakota than in Tennessee.
Avg income (per capita): $64,035 vs. $69,457
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Dakota?
The cost of living is 11% higher in South Dakota than in Tennessee.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 33% lower in South Dakota than in Tennessee.
Avg sales tax: 9.55% vs. 6.4%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Neither Tennessee nor South Dakota has a state income tax.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in South Dakota compared to Tennessee?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| South Dakota | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 7,126,489 |
| Political leaning | Republican 63-37 | Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 23″ | 53″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 5″ |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 29.24 |
Will South Dakota feel more crowded than Tennessee?
South Dakota is about 87% less populous than Tennessee — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Tennessee and South Dakota voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 88°F).
Winter: South Dakota is colder on average (7°F vs. 27°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Dakota?
Rain: South Dakota gets less rain (23″ vs. 53″).
Snow: South Dakota gets more snow (39 inches vs. 5 inches).
Is South Dakota safer than Tennessee?
South Dakota has a lower crime index than Tennessee (21.14 vs. 29.24), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in South Dakota?
Museums in South Dakota
- Adams House
- The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
- Adams Museum
- Tatanka: Story of the Bison
- South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Parks in South Dakota
- Falls Park
- Canyon Lake Park
- Founders Park
- Memorial Park
- Upper Chautauqua Park
Sports teams in South Dakota
- Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
- Rapid City Rush (ECHL)
- Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League)
- Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
Universities in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota
- South Dakota State University
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- Dakota State University
- Augustana University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Tennessee to South Dakota move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- 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 a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a South Dakota moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: South Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 South Dakota right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Dakota?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in South Dakota?
Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, 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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a South Dakota moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
Some movers in Tennessee offer discounts: 5 military discounts; 3 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 1 educator discounts; 2 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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