Best Minnesota to South Dakota Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Minnesota to South Dakota and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 491 mile MN to SD move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 61 Minnesota to South Dakota moving companies and more than 15,000 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 Minnesota compared to South Dakota. 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.
Best Minnesota to South Dakota Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metro Movers | 9.49 | 9.73 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 2 | General Expert Moving Service LLC | 9.27 | 8.89 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Goal Line Moving | 9.26 | 9.42 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI | 9.19 | 8.26 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Dial-A-Move Inc. | 8.92 | 7.93 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Two Men and a Truck | 8.91 | 8.11 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Minnesota to South Dakota
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 491 miles from Minnesota to South Dakota will cost on average $2,199 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MN to SD move is roughly $5,265. 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 Minnesota and dropoff in South Dakota 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 Minnesota to South Dakota movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,481 | 300 ft³ | 4.94 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,199 | 450 ft³ | 4.89 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,627 | 750 ft³ | 4.84 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,265 | 1100 ft³ | 4.79 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,578 | 1600 ft³ | 4.74 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,435 | 1800 ft³ | 4.69 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from South Dakota to Minnesota guide.
Popular Minnesota to South Dakota Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Minnesota to South Dakota
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Minnesota to South Dakota Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best MN to SD Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Metro Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3742268 / 1503884 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 16,000 (2023) |
General Expert Moving Service LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2846187 / 1285395 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 24 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2024) |
Goal Line Moving
Plymouth, MN
About Goal Line Moving
Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2926126 / 1088400 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2024) |
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI
This listing has been claimed by Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI3019 Bryant Ave S # 203
Minneapolis, MN, 55408
About Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI
Exercise Equipment Installation (EEI) has been providing quality service since 1995, specializing in professional and reliable disassembly, assembly, and installation of...
Services
- Exercise Equipment Moving
- Exercise Equipment Disassembly
- Exercise Equipment Assembly
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3914686 / - Active CARRIER |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | - |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Dial-A-Move Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 885778 / 386322 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 9 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2022) |
Two Men and a Truck
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2575221 / 904586 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 180,000 (2023) |
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.
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 Minnesota to South Dakota
Moving from one state to another is a significant life change that brings both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Minnesota to South Dakota , offering insight into how life might change. By contrasting Minnesota's cons against South Dakota's pros and vice versa, these charts aim to give you a well-rounded perspective on your potential new home.
Minnesota- Colder winters
- Higher taxes
- More traffic
- Fewer national parks
South Dakota- Milder winters
- Lower taxes
- Less congestion
- More natural beauty
South Dakota- Smaller cities
- Less cultural venues
- Fewer industries
- Fewer parks
Minnesota- Larger cities
- Rich arts scene
- More job opportunities
- Lush green spaces
When considering a move from Minnesota to South Dakota, it's essential to weigh the broader range of job opportunities and vibrant arts scene you might be accustomed to against South Dakota's appeal of less congestion and lower cost of living. South Dakota boasts natural attractions like Badlands National Park and the Custer State Park, offering stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, a stark contrast to the urban parks and arts venues like the Walker Art Center in Minnesota. Additionally, South Dakota's tax benefits, including no state income tax, present a significant financial advantage, although this might come at the expense of access to larger city amenities and certain job markets prevalent in Minnesota.
Minnesota vs. South Dakota Food Guide
Food not only satisfies our hunger but significantly contributes to our understanding of a place's culture and the happiness quotient of living there. In this guide, we'll embark on a tasty journey through a comparison of the local cuisine between Minnesota & South Dakota to help you get a savory glimpse of what both states have to offer gastronomically as you plan your move.
| Minnesota | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Hotdish | Chislic |
| Most popular meat dish | Wild Rice Burger | Pheasant |
| Most popular street food item | Mini Doughnuts | Indian Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Grain Bowls | Vegan Indian Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Minnesota prides itself on its traditional Hotdish and innovative Wild Rice Burgers, South Dakota's culinary scene stands out with its unique offering of Chislic and Pheasant dishes. In Minnesota, the bustling streets of Downtown Minneapolis are where you can indulge in Mini Doughnuts and Grain Bowls that cater to the vegan palette. Meanwhile, South Dakota brings the flavors of its rich indigenous culture with Indian Tacos found at local fairs and Sioux Falls' Phillips Avenue. The iconic restaurants like Spoon and Stable in Minnesota and Phillips Avenue Diner in South Dakota not only offer you a taste of local delicacies but also a glimpse into the states' souls.
Ready to start your move?
Minnesota vs. South Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current Minnesota habitat against potential South Dakota opportunities is essential. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and livability plays a pivotal role in making an informed decision. Let’s delve into how these two states stack up.
| Comparison | Minnesota | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Cape Cod, Ranch | Ranch, Split Foyer |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Waterfront | Spacious lot, Privacy |
Moving from Minnesota to South Dakota, you'll find the housing market quite attractive, notably with lower median home prices and monthly rents. South Dakota's emphasis on ranch and split foyer architectural styles caters to those seeking spacious, ground-level living environments. While Minnesota offers a higher walkability and urban lifestyle score, reflecting its more densely populated areas and emphasis on amenity-rich neighborhoods, South Dakota boasts spacious lots and privacy, a testament to its more laid-back, rural charm. For biking enthusiasts or those used to an urban lifestyle, Minnesota's architecture and community planning might be more appealing. Meanwhile, South Dakota offers an enticing prospect for those prioritizing space and a quieter setting.
Minnesota vs. South Dakota Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Minnesota to South Dakota, it's essential to understand how the weather patterns in South Dakota compare to those in Minnesota. This comparison will help you adjust your lifestyle and prepare for the climate changes between these two states.
Minnesota
South Dakota
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Minnesota
South Dakota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Minnesota
South Dakota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Minnesota
South Dakota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Minnesota | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Blizzards | Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Minnesota and South Dakota enjoy four distinct seasons, it's valuable to note the subtle differences. South Dakota typically offers slightly warmer winters and more sunny days annually, which may influence your outdoor activities and energy costs. The lower average humidity in South Dakota might also provide a more comfortable summer climate compared to Minnesota. Understanding these variances can help you better prepare for seasonal activities, home maintenance, and health considerations related to allergies or sensitivities to climate changes.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Minnesota to South Dakota
When planning a move from one state to another, it's vital to grasp the financial landscape you're stepping into. This comparison will shine a light on the money and finance differences between Minnesota and South Dakota, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and economic opportunities.
| Comparison | Minnesota | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,338 | $69,728 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.75 | 94.1 |
| State Income Tax | 5.35 - 9.85 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.08 | 1.22 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.88 | 6.40 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Finance, Retail, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Less affluent |
| Poverty | Lower | Comparable |
| Homelessness | Lower | Lower |
Relocating from Minnesota to South Dakota, you'll notice a significant difference in finances. Firstly, the absence of a state income tax in South Dakota can be appealing, potentially offsetting its lower average household income compared to Minnesota. However, it's essential to consider the cost of living in South Dakota is substantially lower, which may balance the income difference. The property tax rate is slightly higher in South Dakota, but the lower cost of living and sales tax might make everyday living more affordable. Additionally, while both states boast robust healthcare sectors, South Dakota's finance and retail industries offer unique job opportunities not as prevalent in Minnesota, influencing your employment prospects and economic experience in your new home state.
Minnesota vs. South Dakota Political & Religious Comparison
In this section, we'll provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to understand the differences you'll encounter when moving from Minnesota to South Dakota. This comparison will specifically highlight the political and religious makeup between Minnesota & South Dakota , giving you a better sense of the community you'll be joining.
| Minnesota | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mixed; leans Democratic | Conservative; Republican |
| Local Politics | Diverse, urban areas tend to be more liberal | Mostly conservative, with local variations |
| Religion | Lutheran, Catholic, diverse religious communities | Lutheran, Catholic, with a smaller range of diversity |
When you move from Minnesota to South Dakota, you'll notice a shift in the political landscape. While Minnesota's political makeup is more balanced, with its urban areas leaning towards liberal policies, South Dakota presents a more uniformly conservative stance across the state. In terms of religious makeup, both states share a strong Lutheran and Catholic presence, but Minnesota offers a broader diversity of religious communities. This reflects not just in the places of worship available but also in the social and cultural activities that are organized around these communities. Such contrasts between the states might influence your social interactions and community involvement in South Dakota.
Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to South Dakota
Moving states can bring about a myriad of changes, especially when it comes to educational opportunities for you or your family. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared school and education options between Minnesota and South Dakota. This comparison will allow you to better understand the differences in school options between Minnesota and South Dakota.
| Minnesota | South Dakota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Minnesota Minnesota State University University of St. ThomasSouth Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Scenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka) Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth) Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven)Challenge Center (Sioux Falls) Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls) Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth) Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka) Eden Prairie Central Middle School (Eden Prairie)Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls) Mickelson Middle School (Brookings) Yankton Middle School (Yankton) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Edina High School (Edina) Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka) Wayzata High School (Plymouth)Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Washington High School (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 private high schools Breck School (Golden Valley) Blake School (Minneapolis) St. Paul Academy (St. Paul)O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Roncalli High School (Aberdeen) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The International School of Minnesota (Eden Prairie) Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul) Breck School (Golden Valley)Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown) Roncalli Catholic High School (Aberdeen) | |
Top 3 School Districts Minnetonka Public School District Wayzata Public Schools Eden Prairie SchoolsSchool District of Sioux Falls Brookings School District Yankton School District | |
Both Minnesota and South Dakota offer a range of educational options that cater to diverse needs. For instance, in Minnesota, institutions like the University of Minnesota attract seniors from all over the state due to its wide range of programs and resources. Similarly, South Dakota State University is a preferred choice for many seniors in South Dakota, offering strong agricultural programs. On the K-12 front, schools like Scenic Heights Elementary in Minnetonka and Challenge Center in Sioux Falls stand out in their respective states for their innovative approaches to education. Private schools such as Breck School in Minnesota and O'Gorman High School in South Dakota are known for their rigorous academics and comprehensive extracurricular programs. These distinctions underscore the importance of evaluating educational opportunities when considering a move.
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