The bottom line: When moving from South Dakota to Montana, you should anticipate costs ranging from $773 up to $6,077.
Relocating to the Big Sky Country can vary in price due to several variables, such as the size of your move and your timing. The way you choose to get from South Dakota — be it via full-service movers, DIY, or a hybrid — also plays a role in your overall costs.
In this guide, we break down the key factors that impact the cost of the 659 mile move from South Dakota to Montana so you can budget realistically. We also share tips to keep your costs low and help you avoid surprise fees. The best mover for you will depend on your unique needs and budget.
- Best Long-Distance Movers
- Best Moving Containers
- Best Moving Truck Rentals
- Best Small Load Movers
Check out these options to narrow down your search:
Going the other way? Check out our moving from Montana to South Dakota guide.
Cost To Move From South Dakota to Montana
Packing up life in South Dakota and heading to Montana? We’ve got the details you need.
The cost to hire movers typically runs from $773 to $6,077, depending on distance and service level. Most South Dakota movers charge around $182 per hour for full-service moving help, including loading and hauling.
Take a look at the chart below for a move estimate to the Big Sky Country.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,983 – $5,883 | $1,304 – $2,270 | $599 – $1,133 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,065 – $6,855 | $1,594 – $2,629 | $615 – $1,107 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,604 – $7,484 | $1,960 – $3,174 | $754 – $1,279 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,551 – $9,375 | $2,047 – $3,417 | $784 – $1,406 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,930 – $10,946 | $2,220 – $4,034 | $873 – $1,659 |
Cost Factors When Moving From South Dakota to Montana
The cost of moving from South Dakota to Montana depends on a few major factors:
- Volume of belongings: A larger household with lots of furniture and items will naturally cost more to move than a small apartment with minimal furnishings. Weight and quantity play a big role in pricing.
- Seasonality: Summer is the peak moving season, which often brings a 10%–15% increase in costs due to higher demand. For better deals, look at spring or fall dates when movers have more availability.
- Travel distance: Long-distance moves—especially from Sioux Falls, SD to Billings, MT—typically cost more than local relocations within Montana because of higher mileage fees.
- DIY or professional help: Doing the move yourself with a rental truck may cut costs by 20%–30%, but it requires handling everything from packing to lifting heavy objects.
- Added services: Specialized services such as packing assistance or moving valuable items like antiques or pianos will increase your total bill—sometimes significantly.
Get Accurate Estimates for Your Move From SD to MT
Getting accurate estimates from moving companies is crucial to budgeting and planning your interstate move from South Dakota to Montana.
A quick scan of moving company reviews highlights how inaccurate quotes and move size estimates can lead to unexpected charges and disappointment. Avoid vague ballpark estimates that could end up costing you more than expected.
To get a realistic quote for your South Dakota to Montana move:
- Request an in-home estimate. Estimates over the phone or online are convenient, but they’re less accurate for a move from South Dakota. After all, it’s hard to tell just how much stuff you have, how much it weighs, or how much room it’ll take up in a container. Ask for an in-home or video estimate. Reputable movers will assess your South Dakota belongings in person or virtually for free.
- Ask for a binding/guaranteed estimate. Even if you love surprises, you won’t like the shock of your estimate doubling on moving day. Non-binding estimates can increase after weighing the items at your place in South Dakota. A binding estimate locks in the price for your move to Montana so it won’t change at the last minute unless you add more items on moving day. That way you know exactly how much you’ll pay and won’t be blindsided or feel scammed.
- Get quotes from at least three moving companies. If you want to find the best deal for your South Dakota to Montana move, you need to have something to compare it to. Get several estimates (at least three!) and compare the quoted prices to see who offers the best deal. Beware of very lowball estimates. They may sound great, but there’s probably a reason they’re so much cheaper than competitors — and it’s likely not a good one.
- Read the fine print. Understand what is and isn’t included for your South Dakota to Montana move to avoid excess fees and surprise charges. Watch for hidden fees like charges for moving belongings up or down stairs or long carry distances (beware if you have a long driveway or tricky access in a city). Ask questions and be sure you know ahead of time whether you need to secure parking permits, elevator access, or handle other logistics to avoid fees.
- Confirm pickup/drop-off dates and locations. Ensure they work with your schedule and interstate move from South Dakota to Montana.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in South Dakota.
Best South Dakota to Montana Full-Service Moving Companies
The journey from South Dakota to Montana is a big one—and it often comes with big stress.
One of the smartest things you can do is choose an experienced, budget-friendly interstate moving service.
After reviewing dozens of movers, we narrowed it down to the most dependable companies for relocating from South Dakota to Montana based on feedback, performance, and reliability:
- Safeway Moving
- International Van Lines
- Mayzlin Relocation
- North American Van Lines
- JK Moving Services
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Superlative: Best for Accurate Quotes
- Availability: 50 states
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Superlative: Best for Flat-Rate Pricing
- Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving locks in pricing upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges on long-distance moves. The company handles relocations across all 50 states and includes 30 days of free storage with every move, which can be helpful if your new home isn’t ready right away.
Safeway is known for its military-grade packing standards and commitment to price transparency. If you want a predictable, hands-off move with no hidden fees, it’s a solid option.
2. International Van Lines (IVL)
International Van Lines (IVL) provides full-service long-distance moving across all 50 states, offering everything from packing and storage to furniture disassembly and reassembly. If you’re moving overseas, IVL also has air and ocean freight options.
The company requires a deposit to book, but its flexible cancellation policy allows you to adjust plans if needed. With virtual estimates available, you can get a quote without scheduling an in-home walkthrough.
3. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation focuses on long-distance moves with a personal touch, offering binding estimates so you know your total cost upfront. The company provides packing, storage, and furniture disassembly, with the option to add white-glove handling for fragile or high-value items.
Unlike some movers, Mayzlin doesn’t hand off jobs to outside crews, ensuring consistency from start to finish. It handles moves across the lower 48 states and builds customized moving plans to fit your needs.
4. North American Van Lines (NAVL)
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been handling long-distance moves since 1933, with services available in all 50 states. The company provides binding estimates, so you’ll know your cost upfront, and offers full-value protection for extra peace of mind.
One of its standout features is real-time shipment tracking, which lets you follow your move every step of the way. Whether you need full packing services or just transportation, NAVL gives you the flexibility to plan your move your way.
5. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services lets you customize your long-distance move, whether you want full-service packing or just transportation. The company offers financing — something most movers don’t — so you can pay in installments instead of all at once. GPS tracking, trained crews, and 24/7 customer support help keep everything on schedule
With experience handling moves since 1982 and service across the US, JK Moving is a strong choice for a flexible and stress-free relocation.
Learn more about the best movers in South Dakota.
DIY South Dakota to Montana Moving Options
South Dakota to Montana Moving Containers
Renting a moving container is a budget-friendly way to move across South Dakota state lines without having to drive a rental truck.
You load your belongings at your own pace and the company handles transportation. It’s a great option if you want some flexibility but still need a little help with the logistics. Plus, most container companies offer storage, so if your new place isn’t ready, you have a built-in backup plan.
We think these are the best moving container companies for your interstate move from South Dakota to Montana:
1. PODS
PODS gives you flexibility with long-distance moves by letting you pack at your own pace. You can keep the container in your driveway, store it at a PODS facility, or have it delivered straight to your new home. Pricing is transparent, with month-to-month rental options, and there’s no rush to unload since you keep the container as long as needed.
2. U-Pack
With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you use on a moving trailer or in a ReloCube, making it a budget-friendly choice for interstate moves. Unlike PODS, you have just three days to load and unload, but transportation is included in the price. There’s no deposit required, and U-Pack regularly offers discounts, including savings for military members and students.
South Dakota to Montana Moving Truck Rentals
If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, renting a moving truck is one of the cheapest ways to move from South Dakota to Montana. You’ll be responsible for packing, loading, and driving, but you get full control over your schedule. Most truck rental companies offer a range of vehicle sizes, so whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a four-bedroom house, there’s a truck that fits your needs.
Here are the best truck rental companies in South Dakota:
1. Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental keeps costs low with frequent discounts, including deals for students, military members, and AARP members. One-way rentals for interstate moves include unlimited miles, so you won’t get hit with extra fees for going over a mileage cap. Budget’s fleet isn’t as big as U-Haul’s, but if you find a location near you, it’s often one of the cheapest ways to move.
2. Penske Truck Rental
Penske trucks are well-maintained and newer than most competitors, reducing the chances of breakdowns on a long drive. Unlimited mileage is included on all one-way moves, making it ideal for cross-country trips where you don’t want to worry about tracking every mile. Penske also partners with AAA to offer discounts, and there are additional savings for college students and military members.
3. U-Haul
U-Haul has the largest truck rental network in the U.S., which means there’s a good chance you’ll find a location nearby. One-way rentals don’t include unlimited mileage like some competitors, but U-Haul often beats other companies on base rental prices. If you need flexibility, U-Haul also offers trailer rentals and the option to hire loading help through its Moving Help marketplace.
South Dakota to Montana Small Load Movers
Many full-service movers have minimum requirements in terms of move size and time, so if you need help relocating a studio apartment from South Dakota to Montana, you may want to find one that specializes in smaller moves.
We like these South Dakota to Montana small load moving companies:
1. MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a cost-effective option for small moves, since you pay only for the truck space you need. Instead of renting an entire moving truck, you load your belongings into a designated section of a commercial trailer, keeping costs low. The company handles transportation, so you don’t have to drive a rental truck across state lines.
2. MiniMoves
MiniMoves specializes in small interstate moves, making it a solid option if you’re relocating a studio apartment or just shipping a few pieces of furniture. Unlike most full-service movers, MiniMoves doesn’t have high weight minimums, so you’re not stuck paying for space you don’t need. Packing and loading services are available, and the company offers custom crating for fragile or high-value items.
Living in South Dakota vs. Montana
Every state is unique, from the economy to the weather to the people who live there. Here are a few key differences between living in South Dakota and Montana to consider before your move.
Cost of living
| Metric | South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $974 |
| Average home cost | $306,944 | $462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $66,341 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.75% |
Weather
| Metric | South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 85ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 12ºF |
| Annual rain | 23″ | 15″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 49″ |
Demographics
| Metric | South Dakota | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 919,318 | 1,132,812 |
| Political leaning | Republican 63-37 | Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Crime index | 21.14 | 23.37 |
Things To Do in Montana
Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore a brand-new place, with new things to do.
Luckily, there’s plenty to discover in Montana.
Popular Attractions in Montana
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Lewis & Clark Trail
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
- Museum of the Rockies
- Lake McDonald
- Montana Historical Society Museum
- Montana State Capitol
- The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
- Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
- World Museum of Mining
- Images of Nature by Thomas Mangelsen
- American Computer & Robotics Museum
- Sunti World Art Gallery
- Fort Missoula Museum
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
- Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
- Whitefish Lake State Park
- Pioneer Park
- Crystal Park
- Riverfront Park
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Montana?
Some of the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Montana include:
- Unmatched natural beauty
- Bountiful outdoor opportunities
- Ample economic opportunity
- Delicious unique cuisine
- No traffic
Who regulates interstate moves out of South Dakota?
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that oversees all safety regulations for moving companies that handle moves out of South Dakota.
The FMCSA also makes sure all moving companies are registered through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and maintain a USDOT number.
When is the worst time to move to Montana?
The worst time to move to Montana is during the summer months, when the weather is at its hottest and moving costs are at their highest due to the peak season.
How far in advance should I book movers from South Dakota to Montana?
You should book your move from South Dakota to Montana as far in advance as possible, but the rule of thumb is between three and six months ahead of moving day.
This will help ensure you get the moving date you want, and some companies may even offer an early-bird discount for booking early.
Should I get in-home estimates for a move from South Dakota to Montana?
It’s a lot easier to get an online estimate for your move from South Dakota to Montana, but this could cost you in the long run.
Taking a little extra time for an in-home or virtual walkthrough of your home will help ensure your mover accurately quotes you a price based on the amount of items you have and the size and layout of your home.
What’s the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Montana?
The cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Montana is likely to rent a moving truck and handle the move yourself.
While this can save you some money, keep in mind that a DIY move means you’ll be doing the heavy lifting and driving on your own.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving, a full-service company, while more expensive, might be the better option.
What should you do when you arrive in Montana?
Moving is more than just getting your stuff from South Dakota to Montana. You also need to handle logistics to settle into your new home.
Here’s what to add to your to-do list for a seamless move:
- Forward your mail and change your address for things like banks, credit cards, tax agencies, and insurance companies.
- Contact local utility companies in Montana to get your internet, cable, electricity, water, and gas set up.
- Plan for a safe transition by installing a security system, testing smoke detectors, and changing the locks on your new home.
- Register your car and visit the Montana DMV for a new driver’s license.
- Plan a housewarming party and start exploring your new neighborhood in Montana!
How We Chose the Top South Dakota to Montana Moving Companies
To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:
- Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
- Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
- Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
- Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
- Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
- State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
- Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.