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 36 South Dakota to Iowa 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 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.
Best South Dakota to Iowa Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Dial-A-Move Inc. | 8.92 | 7.93 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Two Men and a Truck | 8.91 | 8.11 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Dial-A-Move | 8.25 | 7.86 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | The Moving Guys, LLC | 8.06 | 7.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,468 | 300 ft³ | 4.89 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,179 | 450 ft³ | 4.84 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,595 | 750 ft³ | 4.79 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,217 | 1100 ft³ | 4.74 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,508 | 1600 ft³ | 4.69 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,357 | 1800 ft³ | 4.64 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to South Dakota guide.
Popular South Dakota to Iowa Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from South Dakota to Iowa
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
Adamantine Spine Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
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) |
Dial-A-Move
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
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) |
The Moving Guys, LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3199241 / 160684 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 175,000 (2022) |
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 South Dakota to Iowa
Moving from one state to another can bring about significant changes in your lifestyle, environment, and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Iowa , helping you to weigh your options carefully. By examining the pros and cons, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your move.
South Dakota- Lesser populous cities
- Colder winters
- Limited cultural venues
- Scarce public transit
Iowa- More urban opportunities
- Milder winters
- Rich cultural scene
- Improved public transit
Iowa- Less open nature
- Higher cost of living
- More impersonal
- Busier pace
South Dakota- Vast open spaces
- Lower cost of living
- Strong community bonds
- Peaceful lifestyle
While moving to Iowa, you'll notice a shift towards a more urbanized setting with greater cultural and recreational opportunities. Cities like Des Moines offer a rich array of cultural venues such as the Des Moines Performing Arts and the Des Moines Art Center, providing ample entertainment and educational prospects. On the flip side, South Dakota's vast open spaces and community-oriented lifestyle, epitomized by towns like Sioux Falls with its Falls Park, offer a serene and close-knit community feel that might be less prevalent in Iowa's busier urban centers. However, Iowa compensates with its more moderate winter climates and additional urban opportunities, making it attractive for those seeking a balance between vibrant cultural life and the convenience of more developed public infrastructure.
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 |
|
|
| 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | 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
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
South Dakota
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
South Dakota
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
South Dakota
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | South Dakota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | 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 Dakota | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) South Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State UniversityUniversity 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 DistrictIowa 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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