Best South Dakota to Montana Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from South Dakota to Montana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 661 mile SD to MT move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 South Dakota to Montana 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 Dial-A-Move Inc.), 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 Montana. 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 Montana Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dial-A-Move Inc. | 8.92 | 7.93 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Two Men and a Truck | 8.91 | 8.11 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Moving On Up | 8.79 | 8.05 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 4 | On The Move LLC | 8.51 | 8.16 | Active | 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 Montana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 661 miles from South Dakota to Montana will cost on average $2,343 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to MT move is roughly $5,618. 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 Montana 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 Montana movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,577 | 300 ft³ | 5.26 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,343 | 450 ft³ | 5.21 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,868 | 750 ft³ | 5.16 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,618 | 1100 ft³ | 5.11 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,092 | 1600 ft³ | 5.06 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,013 | 1800 ft³ | 5.01 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Montana to South Dakota guide.
Popular South Dakota to Montana Moving Destinations
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Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular South Dakota to Montana Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best SD to MT Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
Moving On Up
Deer Lodge, MT
About Moving On Up
Moving On Up is a Montana-based moving company that specializes in providing reliable, honest, and efficient moving services to its customers....
Services
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3890213 / 1487675 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 12,000 (2021) |
On The Move LLC
Bozeman, MT, 59715
About On The Move LLC
On The Move LLC provides excellent moving services throughout Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Three Forks, and...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Packing Help
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2399161 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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 Montana
Moving from one state to another is a significant decision, wrapped in a mix of opportunities and challenges. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection on relocating from South Dakota to Montana, presenting both the good and bad. Through comparing pros and cons, you'll be better equipped to weigh your options and make an informed choice about this life-changing move.
South Dakota- Harsher winters
- Fewer parks
- Less scenic
- Smaller cities
Montana- Milder winters
- More national parks
- Stunning landscapes
- Larger cities
Montana- Higher cost of living
- More traffic
- Less intimate communities
- Higher taxes
South Dakota- Lower cost of living
- Easier traffic
- Close-knit communities
- Lower taxes
When considering a move from South Dakota to Montana, it's important to delve into the nuances of what each state offers. Montana's Glacier National Park and Yellowstone offer breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation that far surpasses the scenic options in South Dakota, providing a haven for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Cities like Bozeman and Missoula in Montana are known for their vibrant food scenes, with establishments like the famous Taco Montes or the rustic Big Dipper Ice Cream in Missoula, compared to South Dakota's more limited culinary offerings. However, the tight-knit communities and lower cost of living in places like Sioux Falls or Rapid City in South Dakota can make it a tough choice for those who prioritize affordability and community over landscape and city life. Ultimately, your decision will depend on what aspects of living are most important to you, whether it's the great outdoors, a sense of community, or the cost of living.
South Dakota vs. Montana Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and living experiences. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Montana to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new home.
| South Dakota | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Chislic | Buffalo Steak |
| Most popular meat dish | Pheasant | Elk Burger |
| Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Huckleberry Pie |
| Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Burger | Lentil Stew |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving from South Dakota to Montana, you'll notice a shift in the culinary scene, reflective of each state's unique culture. In Montana, the huckleberry pie, a street food delight found in areas like Whitefish and around Glacier National Park, stands out for its unique, tart flavor. Vegan options like lentil stew are becoming more popular in places like Missoula, known for its progressive and health-conscious community. Iconic restaurants such as the 2nd Street Bistro in Livingston offer a taste of Montana's rich gastronomic diversity, from locally sourced bison burgers to fresh, farm-to-table salads, embodying the state's culinary spirit.
Ready to start your move?
South Dakota vs. Montana Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing real estate between South Dakota and Montana is essential. This comparison will illuminate differences in housing costs, architectural style, walkability, and more, aiding in your decision-making process.
| Comparison | South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Split-level | Cabin and Mountain Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Garages | Natural views, Proximity to parks |
In comparing South Dakota with Montana, the higher median home price in Montana reflects its growing popularity and scenic locations, often close to national parks and forests. The architectural style also hints at the lifestyle; South Dakota’s ranch and split-level homes cater to practicality and comfort, while Montana’s cabins and mountain modern homes embrace the surrounding natural beauty. Walkability and bikeability are slightly higher in Montana, possibly due to its urban centers like Missoula and Bozeman fostering a more active, outdoor lifestyle. Housing listings in Montana frequently highlight natural views and proximity to outdoor activities, underlining the state's appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers.
South Dakota vs. Montana Weather Considerations
Moving can bring a whirlwind of changes, especially when it comes to adapting to new weather patterns. Whether it's bracing for colder winters or preparing for sunnier days, understanding the climate differences between your current and future homes is crucial. This guide provides a comparison of the weather in South Dakota and Montana, two states known for their distinct seasons, to help ease your transition.
South Dakota
Montana
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
South Dakota
Montana
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
South Dakota
Montana
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
South Dakota
Montana
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Variable |
| Natural Disasters | Severe Storms, Tornados | Wildfires, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When transitioning from South Dakota to Montana, it's evident that you'll experience a slight dip in summer temperatures and fewer days of sunshine, making Montana's climate a bit cooler year-round. However, Montana tends to receive more snow, which could be a significant change if you're not used to heavy snowfall. The difference in average annual humidity could also impact your daily comfort, as Montana's air is generally drier than South Dakota's. Considering these variations will help you better prepare for your move, ensuring a smoother adjustment to Montana's unique weather patterns.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Dakota to Montana
When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the financial implications of this transition is crucial. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and income in South Dakota to Montana helps provide a clear picture of what to expect. This comparison will assist in budgeting and planning for a smooth relocation.
| Comparison | South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,728 | $67,631 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.1 | 99.4 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 6.9% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.22% | 0.83% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 4.5% | 0% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Retail, Health Care | Agriculture, Mining, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Low |
The average household income in South Dakota and Montana is relatively close, but it's important to note the cost of living index reflects Montana as more expensive. While South Dakota boasts no state income tax, leading to potentially higher take-home pay, Montana's rate is 6.9%. However, Montana compensates with a lower property tax and no sales tax, which can significantly affect yearly expenses. Industry-wise, South Dakota's finance and health care sectors might offer different employment opportunities compared to Montana's agriculture, mining, and tourism. These differences between the states are critical to consider for job prospects and overall financial planning when moving.
South Dakota vs. Montana Political & Religious Comparison
In planning your move from South Dakota to Montana, understanding the societal and cultural landscape is crucial. This brief overview provides a comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Montana, along with insights into the religious backdrop of each state. Here's a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you acclimate to your new surroundings.
| South Dakota | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Conservative | Moderately Conservative |
| Local Politics | Strong Republican Influence | Mixed, with growing Democratic enclaves |
| Religion | Majority Christian, with a Lutheran and Catholic presence | Primarily Christian, diverse denominations |
When moving from South Dakota to Montana, you'll notice subtle shifts in the political landscape. While both states have a conservative leaning, Montana shows signs of more diverse political expressions, particularly in urban areas and university towns, indicating a potentially more varied local political scene. The religious makeup in both states is predominantly Christian, but Montana offers a wider diversity of denominations, reflecting its slightly more heterogeneous population. Whether you’re deeply involved in political and religious communities or simply curious about your new home’s cultural fabric, these differences might inform your experience and interactions.
Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Montana
Moving from one state to another can be a daunting decision, and if you're transitioning from South Dakota to Montana, understanding the differences in educational opportunities is crucial. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in both states, ensuring your family can make an informed choice for your children's education.
| South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) South Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State UniversityMontana State University University of Montana Montana Tech | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Challenge Center - Sioux Falls Discovery Elementary - Sioux Falls Fred Assam Elementary - Sioux FallsHawthorne Elementary - Bozeman Chief Joseph Elementary - Bozeman Cold Springs Elementary - Missoula | |
Top 3 Middle Schools George S. Mickelson Middle School - Brookings Patrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls Yankton Middle School - YanktonSacajawea Middle School - Bozeman Washington Middle School - Missoula Lewis and Clark Middle School - Billings | |
Top 3 High Schools Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School - Sioux Falls Brookings High School - BrookingsBozeman High School - Bozeman Sentinel High School - Missoula Billings West High School - Billings | |
Top 3 private high schools O'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls Great Plains Lutheran High School - WatertownLoyola Sacred Heart High School - Missoula Billings Central Catholic High School - Billings Missoula International School - Missoula | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls Great Plains Lutheran High School - Watertown Roncalli Primary School - AberdeenPetra Academy - Bozeman Missoula International School - Missoula Yellowstone Montessori Academy - Billings | |
Top 3 School Districts Sioux Falls School District Brookings School District Yankton School DistrictBozeman School District Billings School District Missoula County Public Schools | |
Examining the specifics among top educational institutions can provide a deeper insight when moving from South Dakota to Montana. For instance, while South Dakota State University is a popular choice for South Dakota seniors, Montana students often opt for Montana State University. This difference indicates each state's unique higher education preferences. Elementary schooling in Montana, specifically in Bozeman with schools like Hawthorne Elementary, tends to focus heavily on outdoor education and environmental sciences, reflecting the state's commitment to these fields. Meanwhile, South Dakota's Sioux Falls School District boasts remarkable schools such as the Challenge Center, emphasizing a broader curriculum. For families prioritizing private education, both states offer excellent options, but the Missoula International School in Montana stands out with its global curriculum, offering a unique educational perspective not as prevalent in South Dakotan private schools. This detailed comparison should help guide you through the essential educational distinctions between the two states, tailoring your decision to your family's specific needs and values.
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