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 61 South Dakota to Minnesota 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 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.
Best South Dakota to Minnesota 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 | 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 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,481 | 300 ft³ | 4.94 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 | 450 ft³ | 4.89 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,629 | 750 ft³ | 4.84 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,267 | 1100 ft³ | 4.79 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,581 | 1600 ft³ | 4.74 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,438 | 1800 ft³ | 4.69 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minnesota to South Dakota guide.
Popular South Dakota to Minnesota Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from South Dakota to Minnesota
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular South Dakota to Minnesota Moving Routes
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
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) |
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 Minnesota
Moving from South Dakota to Minnesota is a significant life event that brings about changes, both challenging and rewarding. This comparison aims to give a balanced view by honestly reflecting the pros and cons of relocating from South Dakota to Minnesota, helping you make an informed decision about your move.
South Dakota- Harsher winters
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer job opportunities
- Smaller population
- Less natural lakes
Minnesota- Milder winters
- Greater cultural diversity
- More job opportunities
- Larger, vibrant communities
- Land of 10,000 lakes
Minnesota- Higher cost of living
- More crowded
- Higher taxes
- Adjustment to new community
- Fiercer competition for activities
South Dakota- Lower cost of living
- Wide open spaces
- Lower taxes
- Strong sense of community
- Abundant outdoor activities
Moving to Minnesota opens up a plethora of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. In cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, you'll find a vibrant scene filled with renowned establishments such as the Walker Art Center and the bustling Nicollet Mall. From exploring the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to enjoying a prolific variety of restaurants like those in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, there's an endless list of new experiences awaiting you. Meanwhile, South Dakota's serene landscapes and close-knit communities provide a peaceful living environment that some might miss after relocating. This contrast of lifestyles between the two states emphasizes the diverse opportunities and challenges one faces when moving from the wide-open spaces of South Dakota to the lake-dotted and culturally rich state of Minnesota.
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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | 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
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
South Dakota
Minnesota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
South Dakota
Minnesota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
South Dakota
Minnesota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | South Dakota | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Blizzards | Tornadoes, Blizzards, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | 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 Dakota | Minnesota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of South Dakota South Dakota State University Dakota State UniversityUniversity 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 DistrictWayzata 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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