Best South Dakota to Minnesota Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Dakota to Minnesota and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 492 mile SD to MN move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 60 South Dakota to Minnesota 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 Metro Movers), 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Metro Movers9.529.73Authorized For Property
2General Expert Moving Service LLC9.308.89Authorized 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 Minnesota?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 492 miles from South Dakota to Minnesota will cost on average $2,200 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to MN move is roughly $5,267. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,481300 ft³$4.94
1 Bedroom$2,200450 ft³$4.89
2 Bedrooms$3,629750 ft³$4.84
3 Bedrooms$5,2671100 ft³$4.79
4 Bedrooms$7,5811600 ft³$4.74
5+ Bedrooms$8,4381800 ft³$4.69
*Please note: These South Dakota to Minnesota moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Minnesota. 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 MN mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minnesota to South Dakota guide.

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Compare the 6 Best SD to MN Movers

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

Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 954+ data points

434 Blake Rd N

Hopkins, MN, 55343

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 489+ data points

3804 22nd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN, 55407

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
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 Minnesota

Considering a move from South Dakota to Minnesota? This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Minnesota . Our aim is to provide a balanced view so you can make an informed decision about your potential new home in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Few cultural events
  • Rural isolation
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • More amenities
  • Vibrant job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Urban lifestyle options
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busier lifestyle
  • Congested roads
  • Longer commutes
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quieter life
  • Less traffic
  • Natural beauty

Moving to Minnesota, you’ll find more job opportunities, particularly in cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which are renowned for their vibrant economic landscapes. However, living in these urban areas often means dealing with increased traffic and longer commutes. While South Dakota offers a quieter and more serene lifestyle with its breathtaking Black Hills and open landscapes, Minnesota provides a diverse cultural scene and a variety of neighborhood parks and restaurants. Popular spots like Como Park in Saint Paul and the lively Uptown area in Minneapolis offer plenty of activities and sights to explore. The transition from rural to urban living can be challenging, but the multitude of amenities and cultural events available in Minnesota often outweighs these hurdles.

South Dakota vs. Minnesota Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Minnesota aims to help you get acquainted with the food scene of your new home. Food deeply reflects the local culture and living experience, enabling a smoother transition.

South Dakota
Minnesota
Most iconic local food item
Chislic
Hotdish
Most popular meat dish
Bison steak
Walleye fish fry
Most popular street food item
Indian Tacos
Jucy Lucy burger
Most popular vegan food
Wild rice soup
Vegan Wild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Minnesota, you'll exchange the traditional chislic of South Dakota for the comforting embrace of a hearty hotdish. The food scene in Minnesota particularly shines with its abundance of food trucks and a vibrant foodie culture, evident in neighborhoods like Uptown Minneapolis and the North Loop. Here, you can relish in local favorites like the Walleye fish fry and explore vegan options with a local twist, such as the Vegan Wild Rice Soup. Not to mention, iconic eats like the Jucy Lucy burger await you at Matt's Bar, offering a taste that's uniquely Minnesotan.

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South Dakota vs. Minnesota Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, the comparison of real estate aspects between South Dakota and Minnesota is crucial. Housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle significantly influence your decision-making, ensuring that your new home fits your needs and preferences perfectly.

South Dakota
Minnesota
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch, Craftsman
Colonial, Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large lots, Quiet streets
Lakeside access, Urban conveniences

Delving deeper into the specifics, South Dakota's housing market is characterized by more affordable median home prices and rents, which might suit your budget better if affordability is a priority for you. The state's preference for Ranch and Craftsman architectural styles reflects its appreciation for space and classic American designs. Despite scoring lower in walkability and bikeability, South Dakota offers a calm and spacious environment for those who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. On the other hand, Minnesota offers a different set of attractions. With slightly higher housing costs, it compensates with its Colonial and Modern architectural styles, higher walkability, and bikeability scores, catering to those who value an urban lifestyle. Minnesota's real estate listings frequently highlight lakeside access and proximity to urban conveniences, appealing to individuals and families seeking a balance between nature and city living.

South Dakota vs. Minnesota Weather Considerations

When considering a move from South Dakota to Minnesota, it's crucial to understand how the weather will compare between these two states. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the changes and make your transition smoother. This comparison will shed light on the different weather patterns you might experience.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 60°F
83°F / 63°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

30°F / 10°F
24°F / 7°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22
30
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

39
55


Moving from South Dakota to Minnesota, you'll notice some differences and similarities in the weather patterns. Minnesota experiences slightly cooler temperatures in both summer and winter, highlighting the importance of being prepared for more frigid winters. Despite having fewer days of sunshine, Minnesota has higher annual rainfall and snowfall, which could impact your day-to-day life, especially if you're not accustomed to heavier snow. Both states share commonalities such as the top seasonal allergies being pollen and mold, indicating that if you have allergies, your experience may be similar in either state. Understanding these nuances will help you adapt more easily to Minnesota's climate.

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

Moving from one location to another involves many changes, and understanding how your finances will be impacted is crucial. This comparison will help you grasp the cost of living, taxes, and overall economic health when moving from South Dakota to Minnesota , highlighting significant financial considerations.

South Dakota
Minnesota
Avg. Household Income
$69,728
$82,338
Cost of Living Index
94.1
98.75
State Income Tax
0
5.35 - 9.85
Avg. Property Tax
1.22
1.08
Avg. Sales Tax
4.5
6.875
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Finance & Insurance, Retail Trade
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health Care & Social Assistance
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Lower
Lower
Homelessness
Lower
Moderate

When considering a move from South Dakota to Minnesota, you'll notice several key differences in the economic landscape. Minnesota's average household income is notably higher, which is accommodating to the higher cost of living index in the state. However, this increase in living cost is balanced by a broader range of job opportunities in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, which are prominent in Minnesota. Also, the presence of state income tax in Minnesota as opposed to none in South Dakota is an important factor to consider when budgeting for your move. Despite these differences, both states portray a relatively lower level of poverty, indicating that they are conducive environments for a stable living condition.

South Dakota vs. Minnesota Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Minnesota provides a quick glance at the political and religious landscape of both states. Understanding these factors can help you get a sense of what to expect in your new home.

South Dakota
Minnesota
Political Make-up
Lean Conservative
Lean Liberal
Local Politics
Republican Dominance
Democratic Strongholds in Urban Areas
Religion
Christian Majority
Christian Majority with Diverse Religious Communities

When moving from South Dakota to Minnesota, you'll find a shift in the political climate, from a state that leans conservative to one that leans liberal, especially in urban areas like Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This can influence local policies and community initiatives that affect daily life. Additionally, while both states have a Christian majority, Minnesota offers a broader diversity in religious communities, including larger Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu populations, enriching the state's cultural fabric. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate and connect with your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Minnesota

When planning to move from South Dakota to Minnesota, it’s essential for families to compare educational opportunities. This guide aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Dakota and Minnesota , helping you make an informed decision for your children’s education.

South DakotaMinnesota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Dakota State University
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elem (Harrisburg)
Discovery Elem (Sioux Falls)
Deephaven Elementary (Minnetonka)
Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth)
Excelsior Elementary (Excelsior)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Eden Prairie Central Middle School (Eden Prairie)

Top 3 High Schools

Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Edina High School (Edina)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown)
Roncalli Catholic Schools (Aberdeen)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Marshall School (Duluth)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Aberdeen School District
Wayzata Public Schools
Minnetonka Public School District
Edina Public Schools

In both South Dakota and Minnesota, families have access to a range of public and private educational institutions renowned for their quality. Notably, Minnesota offers a slightly more diverse selection of highly regarded private schools, such as Breck School in Golden Valley and The Blake School in Minneapolis, which are also notable for their K-12 programs. On the side of higher education, Minnesota showcases a strong presence of esteemed universities, including the flagship University of Minnesota, offering a wider array of programs and research opportunities compared to South Dakota's most attended institutions like the University of South Dakota. This comparison suggests that Minnesota might offer a broader range of educational opportunities, especially for those looking for extensive private schooling options and strong university programs.

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