Best South Dakota to Arizona Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Dakota to Arizona and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,287 mile SD to AZ move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 70 South Dakota to Arizona moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Dakota compared to Arizona. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best South Dakota to Arizona Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.769.64Authorized For HHG
2New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.339.4Authorized For Property
3Dial-A-Move Inc.8.957.93Authorized For HHG
4Two Men and a Truck8.928.11Authorized For HHG
5Dial-A-Move8.307.86Authorized For HHG
6The Moving Guys, LLC8.087.63Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from South Dakota to Arizona?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,287 miles from South Dakota to Arizona will cost on average $2,876 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to AZ move is roughly $6,919. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in South Dakota and dropoff in Arizona as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve South Dakota to Arizona movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,932300 ft³$6.44
1 Bedroom$2,876450 ft³$6.39
2 Bedrooms$4,755750 ft³$6.34
3 Bedrooms$6,9191100 ft³$6.29
4 Bedrooms$9,9851600 ft³$6.24
5+ Bedrooms$11,1431800 ft³$6.19
*Please note: These South Dakota to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Arizona. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed SD to AZ mover.
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Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.76/10
based on 2,064+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 887+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo

Dial-A-Move Inc.

Superb8.95/10
based on 454+ data points

640 9th Ave SW Suite 200

Aberdeen, SD, 57401

About Dial-A-Move Inc.

Family-run Dial-A-Move is a professional moving company incorporated in 2001. It has a location in Aberdeen, SD, offering a wide range...

Services

  • Cheap moving options
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/21/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.92/10
based on 769+ data points

222 N Marion Rd Ste B

Sioux Falls, SD, 57107

About Two Men and a Truck

Launched in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck serves residential and commercial customers all over the country. The company opened...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2575221 / 904586

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Dial-A-Move Logo

Dial-A-Move

Very Good8.30/10
based on 104+ data points

1744 7th Ave SW

Watertown, SD, 57201

About Dial-A-Move

Dial-A-Move is your one-stop shop for affordable moving options. It has offices in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Huron, serving the Midwest and...

Services

  • Cheap moving options
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
The Moving Guys, LLC Logo

The Moving Guys, LLC

Good8.08/10
based on 149+ data points

1741 Deadwood Ave

Rapid City, SD, 57702

About The Moving Guys, LLC

The Moving Guys, LLC is a locally-owned moving company based in Rapid City, providing comprehensive moving services to the Black Hills...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3199241 / 160684

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved175,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Arizona

Thinking of relocating from South Dakota to Arizona? This comparison offers an honest reflection of moving between these two states, laying out the good and bad attributes of this relocation , with South Dakota and Arizona in focus.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Low cultural diversity
  • Rural isolation
  • Remote healthcare
Arizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Growing job opportunities
  • High cultural diversity
  • Urban conveniences
  • Advanced healthcare facilities
Arizona iconArizona
  • Fast-paced city life
  • Higher living costs
  • Less community focus
  • Desert heat
  • Fluctuating housing prices
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Peaceful rural life
  • Low cost of living
  • Community-focused
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Stable housing market

Moving to Arizona from South Dakota offers a significant change, especially if you favor warmth; Arizona’s mild winters are a stark contrast to South Dakota's harsh ones. Arizona’s cities like Phoenix and Tucson teem with cultural diversity and employment opportunities, unlike some of South Dakota's more rural towns. However, this transition comes with a price, as urban life in Arizona can feel fast-paced and amenities, though more advanced, come with higher living costs. You might miss South Dakota’s peaceful landscapes, but in Arizona, places like Sedona and its picturesque red rocks offer stunning new vistas. Additionally, the culinary scene is quite vibrant, with diverse restaurants from upscale Scottsdale eateries to authentic Mexican food found throughout Tucson.

South Dakota vs. Arizona Food Guide

When you're relocating, understanding the local culture is crucial, and food plays a significant role in that. Here, we'll dive into a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Arizona to help you get a taste of what life will be like in your new home.

South Dakota
Arizona
Most iconic local food item
Chislic
Sonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dish
Bison steak
Carne asada
Most popular street food item
Fried dough
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Lentil stew
Vegan tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro Café
  • FnB
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Arizona, you're entering a vibrant food scene highlighted by the iconic Sonoran Hot Dog, a delicious twist on the American classic, often found in food trucks and diners throughout the state, especially in neighborhoods like downtown Phoenix and Tucson. The state's love for carne asada showcases its rich culinary influence from Mexico, promising your palate a diverse array of flavors. Arizona's food scene is highly rated for its vegan options, like innovative vegan tacos available at many restaurants around Phoenix and Scottsdale. The abundance of food trucks and health-conscious eateries in Arizona reflects a community that values both taste and well-being.

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South Dakota vs. Arizona Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects between South Dakota and Arizona is crucial for making an informed decision. Understanding the differences in housing cost, architecture, and lifestyle can greatly impact your choice and help you adjust to your new surroundings efficiently.

South Dakota
Arizona
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch
Pueblo Revival
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large yards, Garage
Swimming pools, Patios

Moving from South Dakota to Arizona, you'll notice significant changes in housing costs and lifestyles. Arizona's higher median home price and rent reflect its robust real estate market, influenced by picturesque landscapes and a more urban-centric lifestyle. The typical Pueblo Revival architecture in Arizona offers a unique aesthetic distinct from the ranch-style homes prevalent in South Dakota. The increased walkability and bikeability in Arizona cities like Phoenix and Tucson enhance the urban living experience, offering more opportunities for outdoor activities and community engagement.

South Dakota vs. Arizona Weather Considerations

Moving from South Dakota to Arizona significantly changes your weather experience. Understanding the climate differences is crucial as you adapt to your new home. It makes preparing for the shifts in weather patterns, sunshine exposure, and potential natural disasters easier. This comparison outlines key aspects of the climate in both states, emphasizing the importance of adapting to your new environment.

South Dakota
Arizona
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Blizzards, Tornadoes
Heatwaves, Floods
Air Quality
Good
Varies (Moderate to Poor)
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 60°F
104°F / 81°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

30°F / 10°F
68°F / 44°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

23"
13"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

39"
0 - 25" (Varies by elevation)


Understanding the weather differences between South Dakota and Arizona is essential for a smooth transition. Arizona's higher summer temperatures and increased sunshine days mean staying hydrated and applying sunscreen becomes a daily routine. The drastic reduction in humidity levels in Arizona compared to South Dakota can impact your skin and respiratory system, so prepare to moisturize more frequently and possibly use a humidifier. The switch from dealing with blizzards to navigating through heatwaves and floods requires a shift in your preparedness strategies, emphasizing the need for a different approach to seasonal challenges.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Dakota to Arizona

When considering a move from South Dakota to Arizona, it is crucial to weigh how your financial landscape might shift. This comparison aims to provide a clear understanding of the differences in living costs, taxes, and economic environments between these two states. Our comparison chart is designed to help you grasp the financial nuances of moving from South Dakota to Arizona , ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your financial well-being.

South Dakota
Arizona
Avg. Household Income
$69,728
$74,568
Cost of Living Index
94.1
101.2
State Income Tax
0%
Up to 4.5%
Avg. Property Tax
1.22%
0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax
4.5%
8.4%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism
Healthcare, Transportation, Aerospace
Affluence
Moderate
Moderately high
Poverty
Low
High
Homelessness
Low
Moderate

While both South Dakota and Arizona offer their unique financial advantages, there are notable differences to consider. South Dakota's absence of a state income tax stands out, potentially offering a higher net income for the same salary. However, Arizona's higher average household income and somewhat higher cost of living reflect its diverse economy and dense urban centers. The jump in sales tax from South Dakota to Arizona is significant, affecting daily and large purchases alike. Additionally, the industries driving these economies differ greatly, which could influence job opportunities based on your career. Understanding these distinctions will enable you to better plan your finances and lifestyle in either state.

South Dakota vs. Arizona Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick snapshot to help you understand the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between South Dakota & Arizona . Explore what distinguishes the cultural and political climate of your current home from your new one.

South Dakota
Arizona
Political Make-up
Conservative
Moderately Conservative
Local Politics
<a href="https://sdlegislature.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">State Legislature</a> leans Republican
<a href="https://www.azleg.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">State Legislature</a> has a mix of Democratic and Republican influence
Religion
Christianity predominant, with a strong Protestant representation
Diverse, with Christianity predominant but a significant proportion of non-religious residents

South Dakota tends to have more conservative viewpoints, particularly evident in its predominantly Republican state legislature. Meanwhile, Arizona exhibits a more mixed political landscape, where both Democratic and Republican influences are noticeable, making its political makeup more moderate. As for religious composition, both states have a Christian majority, but Arizona features greater religious diversity, including a higher percentage of non-religious individuals. This shift not only reflects in the political discussions but also in the cultural fabric of the communities you'll become a part of.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Arizona

Moving across states brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to education. To make this transition smoother, we've compiled a comparison between South Dakota and Arizona schools. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Dakota and Arizona . This guide will give you a clearer picture of your options.

South DakotaArizona

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)
Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Vermillion Middle School (Vermillion)
Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)

Top 3 High Schools

Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Spearfish Classical Christian School (Spearfish)
Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Green Fields School (Tucson)
Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
The Gregory School (Tucson)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Brookings School District
Yankton School District
Chandler Unified School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools

When considering the transition from South Dakota to Arizona, it's important to note the strengths in Arizona's educational offerings, especially in its charter schools such as Basis Scottsdale and Basis Tucson North, which consistently rank highly nationwide. Arizona's focus on choice in education allows for a variety of charter and private school options across all grade levels, providing numerous opportunities for students to excel in their academic pursuits. Whether your preferences lean toward public, charter, or private education, Arizona offers robust educational environments that cater to a wide array of learning preferences and needs.

How Much Does It Cost To Move From South Dakota to Arizona

It costs approximately $10,320 to move from South Dakota to Arizona. This includes roughly $3,680 in moving costs, $480 in travel related expenditures, $2,240 in housing expenses, $320 in administrative & legal fees, $440 in children's school related transition costs, $160 in miscellaneous expenses, $640 in post-move expenses, $560 in an emergency fund, and $1,800 in other job search/transition related costs.

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