Best South Dakota to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Dakota to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 715 mile SD to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 124 South Dakota to Illinois 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 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Dakota compared to Illinois. 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 Illinois Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
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 Illinois?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 715 miles from South Dakota to Illinois will cost on average $2,389 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to IL move is roughly $5,730. 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 Illinois 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 Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,608300 ft³$5.36
1 Bedroom$2,389450 ft³$5.31
2 Bedrooms$3,945750 ft³$5.26
3 Bedrooms$5,7301100 ft³$5.21
4 Bedrooms$8,2551600 ft³$5.16
5+ Bedrooms$9,1971800 ft³$5.11
*Please note: These South Dakota to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Illinois. 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 IL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to South Dakota guide.

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Compare the 6 Best SD to IL Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,042+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 13,660+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
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 Illinois

In making your decision to relocate from South Dakota to Illinois, it's essential to weigh all aspects of the move. This guide provides a candid look at the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from South Dakota to Illinois to help you make an informed choice.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Rural surroundings
  • Fewer amenities
  • Long travel distances
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Milder climate
  • More job opportunities
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse amenities
  • Better public transport
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher living expenses
  • Heavy traffic
  • Urban sprawl
  • Dense population
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Natural beauty
  • Close-knit communities
  • Tranquil lifestyle

Transitioning to Illinois from South Dakota brings a dramatic change in lifestyle. Larger cities such as Chicago offer an exciting urban vibe, rich culture, and diverse dining options from deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s to Michelin-star restaurants. However, with this vibrant lifestyle comes a higher cost of living and infamous traffic congestion, particularly around the Loop and Lake Shore Drive. Meanwhile, you trade South Dakota's tranquil, rural scenery and tight-knit community for a bustling environment, filled with expansive parks like Lincoln Park and bustling neighborhoods teeming with activities and conveniences. Whether exploring the historical streets of Springfield or enjoying the arts scene in Evanston, Illinois presents a canvas of endless opportunities worth exploring.

South Dakota vs. Illinois Food Guide

As you consider embarking on a new chapter by moving, it's crucial to immerse yourself in the local cultures of your potential new home. Understanding the food scene is a significant aspect of this. To help you make an informed decision, we present a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Illinois, showcasing what each has to offer in terms of culinary delights.

South Dakota
Illinois
Most iconic local food item
Chislic
Deep dish pizza
Most popular meat dish
Pheasant
Italian beef
Most popular street food item
Indian tacos
Chicago-style hot dogs
Most popular vegan food
Wild rice soup
Deep dish vegan pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Prairie Berry Winery
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Portillo's
  • Au Cheval
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When diving deeper into the culinary world of Illinois, you'll find that neighborhoods like Chicago's Logan Square or River North boast an eclectic mix of eateries, perfect for food enthusiasts looking to explore diverse flavors. Iconic locales like Lou Malnati's offer a taste of the state's famous deep dish pizza, providing a gooey, cheesy experience unlike any other. On the other hand, Portillo's and Au Cheval serve up some of the most beloved meat dishes, including the savory Italian beef and exquisite burgers, catering to both traditional and gourmet preferences. The abundance of food trucks and vegan-friendly options ensures that there's something for everyone, making Illinois a vibrant foodie haven.

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South Dakota vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when moving. Understanding the differences in housing costs, lifestyles, and amenities between South Dakota and Illinois can help you make an informed choice. Let's compare these states based on several housing aspects.

South Dakota
Illinois
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch
Prairie, Tudor
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large lots, quiet neighborhoods
Proximity to amenities, historic character

Delving deeper, the architecture styles reflect the cultural influences and historical periods predominant in each state. South Dakota’s ranch-style homes often feature large lots, reflecting the state’s rural and spacious nature. In contrast, Illinois showcases a variety of architectural influences, including Prairie and Tudor styles, especially in urban areas like Chicago, indicating a diverse historical tapestry. The urban lifestyle score in Illinois is higher, particularly because cities like Chicago offer more in terms of entertainment, dining, and public transportation options, enhancing walkability and bikeability compared to the more spread-out communities in South Dakota.

South Dakota vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another means adapting to new weather patterns. Comparing the weather between South Dakota and Illinois is crucial for planning your move. This guide will help you understand the variations in climate and environmental factors you will face, ensuring you are well prepared for your new home.

South Dakota
Illinois
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Blizzards
Tornadoes, Floods
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85° / 60°
85° / 65°
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

30° / 10°
35° / 20°


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

20-30"
36-48"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

30-60"
22-38"


When you move from South Dakota to Illinois, you'll notice a shift in weather conditions, especially during winter. Illinois tends to have milder winters with higher lows and slightly less snowfall than South Dakota, which can make for easier daily commutes and outdoor activities. The summer climates are comparably warm, but you might experience more humid days in Illinois due to its higher annual rainfall. Moreover, Illinois has fewer sunny days throughout the year, which could affect your outdoor plans. This adjustment in climate, combined with the potential for different types of natural disasters, emphasizes the importance of preparing for your move with these weather differences in mind.

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

When planning a move, it's important to consider how financial factors will compare between your current and future home. This comparison will help you understand how your economic situation might change moving from South Dakota to Illinois . Understanding differences in income, taxes , and cost of living can significantly impact your transition.

South Dakota
Illinois
Avg. Household Income
$69,728
$76,708
Cost of Living Index
94.1
94.25
State Income Tax
0
4.95 (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax
1.22
2.16
Avg. Sales Tax
4.5
6.25
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services
Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture
Affluence
moderate
higher
Poverty
lower
moderate
Homelessness
low
higher

While Illinois boasts a higher average household income compared to South Dakota, this advantage is mitigated by its higher cost of living and notably higher property and sales tax rates. Another financial aspect to consider is the state income tax; South Dakota offers a significant benefit with a 0% state income tax, compared to Illinois' flat rate of 4.95%. However, the overall affluence in Illinois might suggest more opportunities for higher paying jobs, balanced by the higher burden of taxes and living costs. Understanding these financial dynamics is key when navigating the move, as it directly impacts your budgeting and lifestyle choices.

South Dakota vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from South Dakota to Illinois, understanding the comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Illinois is crucial. This overview provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of each state, helping you get a feel for your potential new home.

South Dakota
Illinois
Political Make-up
Primarily Republican
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Local governance tends to reflect state-level political leaning
Varies widely with a mix of Democratic and Republican strongholds
Religion
Largely Protestant, significant Lutheran presence
Diverse, with Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities

The political and religious landscape you're moving into will be quite different than what you're used to in South Dakota. Illinois' political makeup is more varied, with a noticeable tilt towards Democratic ideologies, especially in urban centers like Chicago. This diversity extends into the religious sphere as well, with a more pluralistic outlook than the predominantly Protestant and Lutheran affiliations in South Dakota. Understanding these differences will help you navigate your new environment more effectively and allow for a smoother transition.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Illinois

Moving can be a considerable change, particularly when it involves navigating educational landscapes. This comparison seeks to understand better what the comparisons are between school options moving from South Dakota to Illinois , providing a clearer view of the educational opportunities awaiting in both states.

South DakotaIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Augustana University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center at Garfield (Sioux Falls)
Robert Frost Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Buchanan Elementary (Pierre)
Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest)
South Park Elementary School (Deerfield)
Meadow Glens Elementary School (Naperville)

Top 3 Middle Schools

George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Vermillion Middle School (Vermillion)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Marie Murphy School (Wilmette)
Central School (Glencoe)
Maple School (Northbrook)

Top 3 High Schools

Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Brookings High School (Brookings)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City)
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Rapid City Christian School (Rapid City)
Freeman Academy (Freeman)
Sioux Falls Lutheran School (Sioux Falls)
North Shore Country Day (Winnetka)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)
Roycemore School (Evanston)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Brookings School District
Brandon Valley School District
New Trier Township High School District
Naperville Community Unit School District
Hinsdale Township High School District

In the landscape of education, both South Dakota and Illinois offer a variety of highly rated schools across all levels. Illinois, however, has a broader selection of nationally recognized colleges and high-ranked private and K-12 schools, reflecting its larger population and educational investment. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago are ranked among the top universities nationwide, offering robust opportunities for post-secondary education. On the other hand, South Dakota's educational strengths lie in its close-knit community schools and flagship universities such as the University of South Dakota, providing a solid education with a more personal touch. Comparing the top school districts and private schools, like Sioux Falls School District against New Trier Township High School District or O'Gorman High School against the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, it's clear that Illinois offers a wider variety of prestigious educational options, likely due to its larger urban centers and funding availability.

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