Best South Dakota to Michigan Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Dakota to Michigan and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 817 mile SD to MI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 75 South Dakota to Michigan 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 Pro-Low Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Dakota compared to Michigan. 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 Michigan Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pro-Low Moving9.699.73Authorized For HHG
2Handle With Care Moving & Delivery 9.078.91Authorized 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 Michigan?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 817 miles from South Dakota to Michigan will cost on average $2,476 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to MI move is roughly $5,942. 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 Michigan 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 Michigan movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,666300 ft³$5.55
1 Bedroom$2,476450 ft³$5.50
2 Bedrooms$4,089750 ft³$5.45
3 Bedrooms$5,9421100 ft³$5.40
4 Bedrooms$8,5641600 ft³$5.35
5+ Bedrooms$9,5441800 ft³$5.30
*Please note: These South Dakota to Michigan moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Michigan. 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 MI mover.
South Dakota iconArrow iconMichigan icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Michigan to South Dakota guide.

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Compare the 6 Best SD to MI Movers

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

Pro-Low Moving Logo

Pro-Low Moving

Exceptional9.69/10
based on 1,140+ data points

665 136th Ave

Holland, MI, 49424

About Pro-Low Moving

Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • 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

3508434 / 1160481

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved105,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  Logo

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 822+ data points

4260 Varsity Dr

Ann Arbor, MI, 48108

About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable...

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

808976 / 359936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (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 Michigan

This guide offers an honest reflection of the attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Michigan , presenting both the pros and cons of this move through comparative charts. Whether you're driven by climate, career, or lifestyle changes, explore the distinct contrasts between these two states to make a well-rounded decision.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Rural lifestyle
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Scarce entertainment options
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Milder climate
  • Robust job market
  • Urban opportunities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Higher expenses
  • Urban anonymity
  • Less open space
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Congested city roads
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Peaceful lifestyle
  • Less traffic

While South Dakota offers a peaceful lifestyle with its stunning landscapes such as the Badlands and the Black Hills, Michigan provides a lively urban scene with more robust job opportunities, particularly around Detroit and Grand Rapids. Although you might miss the quiet charm of South Dakota's towns like Sioux Falls, Michigan's vibrant cities come with bustling nightlife, diverse cultural events, and culinary havens such as Ann Arbor's restaurants and the eclectic food scene in Grand Rapids. Be prepared for Michigan's slightly higher cost of living and urban congestion, but relish in amenities like the many neighborhood parks and access to outdoor recreation on the numerous lakes including Lake Michigan and the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

South Dakota vs. Michigan Food Guide

Food is a pivotal part of local culture and the living experience in any area. Understanding the culinary landscape is crucial when relocating. In this guide, we offer a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Michigan to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new home.

South Dakota
Michigan
Most iconic local food item
Chislic
Coney Dog
Most popular meat dish
Buffalo steak
Cherry BBQ chicken
Most popular street food item
Indian tacos
Street pizza
Most popular vegan food
Lentil stew
Vegan pasties
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Bell's Eccentric Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

As you prepare for your move from South Dakota to Michigan, you'll notice a shift in the food scene that reflects each state's unique culture and geographical traits. In Michigan, the iconic Coney Dog, available in local diners and street corners, notably in cities like Detroit and Flint, provides a heartwarming introduction to the state's love for unique twists on classic American foods. Meanwhile, the popular Vegan pasties found in spots like Little Beet Street Kitchen in Grand Rapids, reveal an adaptability and inclusivity in Michigan's culinary scene. The spotlight on local cherries in dishes and abundance of food trucks in cities such as Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids, cater to diverse palates and dietary preferences, signifying a vibrant foodie culture that eagerly awaits newcomers.

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South Dakota vs. Michigan Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect to consider when moving. Understanding how housing in South Dakota compares with Michigan can help you make informed decisions. This comparison will highlight key differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle to aid in your transition.

South Dakota
Michigan
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch, Craftsman
Colonial, Ranch
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large lots, Garage space
Lake access, Energy efficiency

When considering a move from South Dakota to Michigan, the differences in housing costs and lifestyles are noteworthy. Michigan's lower median home price might appeal to many, especially when paired with its slightly higher urban lifestyle score, indicating a vibrant city life. The state's architecture, with many homes featuring colonial styles and emphasis on energy efficiency, reflects its rich history and forward-thinking attitudes towards sustainability. Additionally, Michigan's higher walkability and bikeability scores suggest a more active lifestyle can be enjoyed, further complemented by the state's plentiful lake access listings, ideal for those who cherish outdoor activities.

South Dakota vs. Michigan Weather Considerations

When planning a move from South Dakota to Michigan, it's crucial to consider how the weather in South Dakota and Michigan will impact your daily life. Understanding the differences in climate will help you prepare for your new environment, ensuring a smoother transition.

South Dakota
Michigan
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornados, Severe Storms
Snowstorms, Severe Storms
Air Quality
Good
Good to Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 60°F
81°F / 59°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

30°F / 10°F
32°F / 18°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22
31
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

39
60


While the average summer temperatures are similar, you'll find Michigan winters slightly milder but with more snowfall, about 60 inches annually compared to South Dakota's 39 inches. This is a factor to consider if you're not fond of shoveling snow. The number of sunny days drops in Michigan, reflecting its cloudier climate. Humidity levels are fairly consistent, but you might notice the higher annual rainfall in Michigan, which contributes to its lush landscapes. Transitioning from South Dakota's climate to Michigan's involves preparing for more moisture, whether it's in the form of rain or snow.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to gauge how the finances will stack up against what you're accustomed to. This comparison aims to highlight the differences you might experience in monetary terms when relocating from South Dakota to Michigan, focusing on various financial aspects such as income, taxes, and living costs.

South Dakota
Michigan
Avg. Household Income
$69,728
$66,986
Cost of Living Index
94.1
91.2
State Income Tax
0%
4.25%
Avg. Property Tax
1.22%
1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax
4.5%
6%
Top 3 Industries
Finance, Retail, Healthcare
Automotive, Manufacturing, Agriculture
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Higher
Homelessness
Low
Higher

When moving from South Dakota to Michigan, you'll encounter nuanced differences in financial aspects that could affect your daily life and long-term planning. The absence of a state income tax in South Dakota might be something you'll miss, as Michigan levies a 4.25% income tax. However, the average household income in South Dakota is slightly higher, which could balance out the additional tax burden in Michigan. The cost of living indexes of both states are comparable, but pay attention to the higher property and sales taxes in Michigan. Understanding the economic landscape, including the dominant industries in Michigan such as automotive and manufacturing, can provide insights into job opportunities and economic stability.

South Dakota vs. Michigan Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot designed to help you understand the comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Michigan , along with the religious composition of each state. Such insights can ease your transition by familiarizing you with the social landscape of your new home.

South Dakota
Michigan
Political Make-up
Lean Conservative
Swing State
Local Politics
Republican Dominance in State Legislature
Mixed; Democratic in Urban Areas
Religion
Christian Majority
Diverse; Christian Majority with Growing Number of Other Faiths

While South Dakota has a pronounced conservative lean, Michigan's status as a swing state means its political landscape is more varied, with a mix of conservative and liberal viewpoints particularly pronounced between urban and rural areas. This diversity extends beyond politics into the religious sphere as well. South Dakota predominantly identifies with Christian faiths, a commonality Michigan shares, yet the latter boasts a greater diversity of religious beliefs due to its larger and more varied population. Understanding these dynamics can help you acclimate to your new surroundings and engage more fully with your community.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Michigan

Moving between states can bring about a whirlwind of changes, especially when it comes to education. To help you navigate this transition, we've crafted a comparison chart to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from South Dakota to Michigan . This will give you a clearer view of your educational choices in both locations.

South DakotaMichigan

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Dakota State University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
Bates Elementary (Dexter)
Spring Mills Elementary (Highland)
Wealthy Elementary (East Grand Rapids)

Top 3 Middle Schools

George McGovern Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
East Middle School (Farmington Hills)
West Middle School (Plymouth)
Boulan Park Middle School (Troy)

Top 3 High School Schools

Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
International Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High School (Troy)
Northville High School (Northville)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Aberdeen Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Mitchell Christian School (Mitchell)
Roeper School (Bloomfield Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Okemos Public Schools

When comparing educational institutions in South Dakota and Michigan, it's evident that both states offer robust options for families. For example, in South Dakota, the Sioux Falls School District is highly regarded, with several schools in the area ranking as top choices for elementary, middle, and high education. Similarly, Michigan boasts standout districts like East Grand Rapids Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools, both of which support exceptional educational establishments at all levels. Furthermore, Michigan's University of Michigan is a renowned institution, attracting students nationally for its extensive research programs and quality education, mirroring the sentiments students have towards the well-respected University of South Dakota. Each state presents unique opportunities, whether you are considering public, private, or higher education pathways.

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