Best South Dakota to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Dakota to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 468 mile SD to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 South Dakota to Iowa 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 Adamantine Spine Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Dakota compared to Iowa. 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 Iowa Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.449.28Authorized For Property, 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 Iowa?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 468 miles from South Dakota to Iowa will cost on average $2,179 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to IA move is roughly $5,217. 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 Iowa 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 Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,468300 ft³$4.89
1 Bedroom$2,179450 ft³$4.84
2 Bedrooms$3,595750 ft³$4.79
3 Bedrooms$5,2171100 ft³$4.74
4 Bedrooms$7,5081600 ft³$4.69
5+ Bedrooms$8,3571800 ft³$4.64
*Please note: These South Dakota to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Iowa. 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 IA mover.
South Dakota iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to South Dakota guide.

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Most Popular South Dakota to Iowa Moving Routes

    Compare the 6 Best SD to IA Movers

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

    Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

    Adamantine Spine Moving

    Exceptional9.54/10
    based on 898+ data points

    2815 36th St

    Des Moines, IA, 50310

    About Adamantine Spine Moving

    With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance Moving
    • Apartment/Condo Moving

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    1471037 / 556716

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans37
    Registered Drivers40
    Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
    View Full Review
    1
    Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

    Adamantine Spine Moving

    Exceptional9.44/10
    based on 1,160+ data points

    656 S Governor St

    Iowa City, IA, 52240

    About Adamantine Spine Moving

    Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transport your...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance Moving
    • Apartment/Condo Moving

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    1471037 / 556716

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans37
    Registered Drivers40
    Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
    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 Iowa

    The decision to relocate involves weighing various factors that affect your lifestyle. This guide provides a comparative overview of the pros and cons of moving from South Dakota to Iowa , offering an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation.

    CONs
    PROs
    South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
    • Harsh winters
    • Limited job market
    • Rural isolation
    • Fewer cultural events
    • Less diverse dining
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Milder winters
    • Better job opportunities
    • More urban areas
    • Vibrant cultural scene
    • Varied restaurant options
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Higher housing costs
    • Less open space
    • Faster pace of life
    • More competitive atmosphere
    • Less rural focus
    South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
    • Low cost of living
    • Natural beauty
    • Tranquil lifestyle
    • Friendly community
    • Strong agricultural base

    When moving from South Dakota to Iowa, you'll find some noticeable differences. The winters in Iowa are considerably milder compared to the harsh winters you might be accustomed to. While South Dakota's low cost of living is a major attraction, Iowa offers a more expansive job market, particularly in cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Enjoy a vibrant cultural scene in Iowa with events in downtown Des Moines or a visit to the renowned Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Though you may miss South Dakota's wide-open spaces, Iowa's urban areas provide more neighborhood parks and a diversity of dining options. You might enjoy exploring the trendy restaurants in the East Village in Des Moines or catching a game at Principal Park.

    South Dakota vs. Iowa Food Guide

    This comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Iowa aims to enlighten you on the unique food scene of each state. Understanding the culinary culture is essential when moving, as food plays a significant role in the local lifestyle and community vibe.

    South Dakota
    Iowa
    Most iconic local food item
    Chislic
    Corn on the Cob
    Most popular meat dish
    Bison steak
    Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
    Most popular street food item
    Indian Tacos
    Walking Tacos
    Most popular vegan food
    Wild Rice Salad
    BBQ Tempeh
    Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Cattleman's Steakhouse
    • Minervas
    • Phillips Avenue Diner
    Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    Abundance of Food Trucks
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    Foodie Scene
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    Vegan Friendly
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

    When relocating from South Dakota to Iowa, you'll notice a shift in the culinary landscape. Iowa is renowned for its corn and offers a unique experience with dishes like the iconic Corn on the Cob and Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, a favorite amongst locals. Des Moines, in particular, is a hub for food enthusiasts, boasting must-visit establishments like Zombie Burger and Acheson, where the vibrant food scene is evident. Iowa's greater emphasis on health and vegan options reflects in its higher ratings for fitness, health conscientiousness, and vegan-friendliness. This transition brings you closer to a diverse gastronomy that promises to indulge your taste buds while providing healthier options.

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    South Dakota vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

    When planning a move, diving into the real estate market and getting familiar with housing comparisons between South Dakota and Iowa can significantly influence your decision. Understanding the differences in housing cost, style, and the overall lifestyle each state offers is crucial for a smooth transition.

    South Dakota
    Iowa
    Typical Architecture Style
    Ranch
    Colonial Revival
    Walkability
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    Bikeability
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    Urban Lifestyle
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
    Spacious yards, garages
    Energy efficiency, close to schools

    Moving between South Dakota and Iowa, you'll notice significant differences beyond just the numbers. South Dakota's homes often come with spacious yards and garages, reflecting a preference for privacy and personal space. In contrast, Iowa listings frequently highlight energy efficiency and proximity to schools, catering to community-oriented and environmentally conscious buyers. Additionally, the slight edge in walkability and bikeability scores in Iowa suggests a more community-friendly environment, which might appeal to those looking for a balance between urban conveniences and the tranquility of suburban life.

    South Dakota vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

    When relocating, understanding the weather differences between your current and future home is crucial. This guide compares the weather from South Dakota to Iowa, providing essential insights into what you can expect. These comparisons will help you adapt more easily to your new environment.

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

    Average Summer High/Low (°F)

    85°F / 60°F
    86°F / 65°F
    Winter icon

    Average Winter High/Low (°F)

    30°F / 10°F
    31°F / 14°F


    Rainfall icon

    Annual Rainfall (Inches)

    23"
    34"
    Snowfall icon

    Annual Snowfall (Inches)

    39"
    33"


    Moving from South Dakota to Iowa, you'll notice subtle but significant weather differences. While summer temperatures are roughly the same, Iowa experiences slightly higher winter temperatures and increased humidity year-round. This could affect your day-to-day comfort and may require an adjustment in your home's humidity control. Iowa sees more rainfall annually, which contributes to its lush landscapes but also increases the risk of flooding, a contrast to South Dakota's more arid climate. Such insights can be invaluable as you plan your relocation, helping you prepare for anything from wardrobe changes to seasonal allergies.

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

    When contemplating a move from one state to another, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison will offer a clearer picture of what to expect when transitioning from South Dakota to Iowa, focusing on crucial economic aspects and how they affect cost of living, taxation, and employment opportunities.

    South Dakota
    Iowa
    Avg. Household Income
    $69,728
    $69,588
    Cost of Living Index
    94.1
    95.9
    State Income Tax
    0%
    Up to 8.53%
    Avg. Property Tax
    1.22%
    1.53%
    Avg. Sales Tax
    4.5%
    6%
    Top 3 Industries
    Finance, Retail, Healthcare
    Manufacturing, Finance, Healthcare
    Affluence
    Moderate
    Moderately High
    Poverty
    Low
    Moderate
    Homelessness
    Low
    Moderate

    While both South Dakota and Iowa present opportunities for a stable financial future, there are notable differences. South Dakota's absence of state income tax is a significant advantage for residents, potentially offering more net income at your disposal when compared to Iowa's progressive tax rate that can go up to 8.53%. However, Iowa edges ahead in average household income and harbors a slightly higher cost of living. These distinctions underline the importance of considering tax implications and employment prospects in your field of work when planning your move. This comparison should serve as a starting point for deeper financial planning before making the interstate transition.

    South Dakota vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

    This is a comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Iowa, aiming to provide a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the population in both states, helping newcomers understand their new community.

    South Dakota
    Iowa
    Political Make-up
    Lean Conservative
    Moderately Balanced
    Local Politics
    Republican-stronghold in rural areas
    Democratic in urban, Republican in rural areas
    Religion
    Christian majority (Protestant and Catholic)
    Christian majority (Protestant and Catholic)

    When moving from South Dakota to Iowa, you'll find that the political landscape shifts from a generally conservative one to a more balanced political environment. While South Dakota is known for its Republican-leaning rural areas, Iowa presents a mixed political scene, with urban areas leaning Democratic and rural regions often being Republican strongholds. Both states share a Christian majority in terms of religious makeup, comprising mainly Protestant and Catholic communities. This blend of political and religious views in Iowa compared to South Dakota could offer you a diverse and possibly more balanced social environment.

    Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Iowa

    Moving can be a complex decision, especially when considering the education for your children. This comparison aims to provide a clearer understanding of the options between South Dakota and Iowa schools, helping you make an informed decision for your family's educational needs.

    South DakotaIowa

    Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

    South Dakota State University
    University of South Dakota
    Dakota State University
    University of Iowa
    Iowa State University
    University of Northern Iowa

    Top 3 Elementary Schools

    Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
    Explorer Elementary (Harrisburg)
    Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
    Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
    Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
    Grant Wood Elementary (Bettendorf)

    Top 3 Middle Schools

    Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
    Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
    Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
    North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
    Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
    South East Junior High (Iowa City)

    Top 3 High School Schools

    Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
    Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
    Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
    West High School (Iowa City)
    Ames High School (Ames)
    Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)

    Top 3 private high schools

    O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
    Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
    Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
    Regina High School (Iowa City)
    Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
    Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)

    Top 3 private K-12 schools

    Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)
    Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
    Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
    Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
    Maharishi School (Fairfield)
    Des Moines Christian School (Urbandale)

    Top 3 School Districts

    Sioux Falls School District
    Harrisburg School District
    Brookings School District
    Iowa City Community School District
    West Des Moines Community Schools
    Pleasant Valley Community School District

    Choosing between South Dakota and Iowa for your child's education involves considering various top schools and districts that offer unique qualities. In South Dakota, the Sioux Falls School District is notable for its diverse educational programs, serving as a central hub for some of the state's top high schools like Roosevelt and Lincoln High. Meanwhile, Iowa's Iowa City Community School District is home to nationally recognized schools such as West High School, offering rigorous academic programs and a multitude of extracurricular activities. Additionally, while considering higher education, both states boast renowned universities, with South Dakota seniors often attending South Dakota State University and Iowa's students favoring the University of Iowa. Such comparisons aim to enrich your understanding and aid in making the best educational decision for your family.

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