Best Wisconsin to South Dakota Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 597 mile WI to SD move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 76 Wisconsin to South Dakota moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Elite 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to South Dakota Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Wisconsin to South Dakota Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Elite Movers9.589.52Authorized For HHG
2MACS Moving and Storage9.439.43Authorized For Property, HHG
3About Time Moving Systems LLC9.339.33Authorized For HHG
4Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHG
5Dial-A-Move Inc.8.947.93Authorized For HHG
6Two Men and a Truck8.928.11Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Wisconsin to South Dakota?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 597 miles from Wisconsin to South Dakota will cost on average $2,289 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom WI to SD move is roughly $5,485. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to South Dakota movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,541300 ft³$5.14
1 Bedroom$2,289450 ft³$5.09
2 Bedrooms$3,777750 ft³$5.04
3 Bedrooms$5,4851100 ft³$4.99
4 Bedrooms$7,8981600 ft³$4.94
5+ Bedrooms$8,7961800 ft³$4.89
*Please note: These Wisconsin to South Dakota moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Wisconsin & South Dakota. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed WI to SD mover.
Wisconsin iconArrow iconSouth Dakota icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from South Dakota to Wisconsin guide.

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular Wisconsin to South Dakota Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from Wisconsin to South Dakota

Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.

Most Popular Wisconsin to South Dakota Moving Routes

Compare the 6 Best WI to SD Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Elite Movers Logo

Elite Movers

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 694+ data points

429 Lake St

Eau Claire, WI, 54703

About Elite Movers

Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocations. They...

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
  • Single Item Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579816 / 1208798

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
MACS Moving and Storage Logo

MACS Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.43/10
based on 955+ data points

901 Maxwell St

Lake Geneva, WI, 53147

About MACS Moving and Storage

Lake Geneva-based MACS Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company that has served Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for over...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2386699 / 820142

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved216,309 (2022)
View Full Review
2
About Time Moving Systems LLC Logo

About Time Moving Systems LLC

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 2,122+ data points

4909 8th Ave

Kenosha, WI, 53140

About About Time Moving Systems LLC

This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation services. About Time...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2525330 / 877057

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 1,857+ data points

310 Progress Way Suite 140

Sun Prairie, WI, 53590

About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...

Services

  • Residential moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Local/statewide moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo

Dial-A-Move Inc.

Superb8.94/10
based on 454+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/21/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.92/10
based on 769+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2575221 / 904586

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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 Wisconsin to South Dakota

Exploring the possibility of relocating from Wisconsin to South Dakota can yield a mix of emotions. Our goal is to provide an honest reflection on the advantages and disadvantages of your move. This comparison will showcase how life in South Dakota might differ from life in Wisconsin . By illustrating the pros and cons , you can make an informed decision on your next chapter.

CONs
PROs
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher taxes
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Milder winters
  • Lower living costs
  • Less congestion
  • No state income tax
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Fewer cultural amenities
  • Less seasonal diversity
  • Limited job opportunities
  • No large water bodies
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Diverse job market
  • Great lakes access

South Dakota offers a more laid-back lifestyle with less traffic and a lower cost of living compared to Wisconsin. However, you might miss the vibrant cultural scene and activities found in Wisconsin’s cities like Madison and Milwaukee. While South Dakota boasts natural beauty in places like Custer State Park and the Badlands, it lacks the sizable water bodies and lake culture prevalent in Wisconsin. Moreover, cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City bring comforts but may not match the diverse job market you were accustomed to. Balancing these aspects will help you appreciate what each state uniquely offers.

Wisconsin vs. South Dakota Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Wisconsin & South Dakota highlights food's role in cultural identity and living experience. It helps you get acquainted with the food scene of your new home.

Wisconsin
South Dakota
Most iconic local food item
Cheese Curds
Chislic
Most popular meat dish
Bratwurst
Bison Steak
Most popular street food item
Fried Cheese Curds
Indian Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegetable Pasty
Wild Rice Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mader's
  • Culver's
  • Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
  • Josiah’s Coffeehouse, Café & Bakery
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Wisconsin's food scene is famously known for its cheese, particularly cheese curds, which you can enjoy fried at many street food stands or eateries like The Old Fashioned in Madison. The state's German heritage shines through in its love for bratwurst, best enjoyed at places like Mader's in Milwaukee. Moving to South Dakota, you'll find a unique local favorite—chislic, cubed red meat served on skewers, is a must-try. An interesting vegan option is the wild rice stew, which reflects the regional produce. For a taste of South Dakota's culinary spirit, visit Cattleman's Club Steakhouse or Phillips Avenue Diner in Sioux Falls, which highlight local flavors and ingredients. Each state offers a distinct foodie adventure that mirrors its cultural and agricultural heritage.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Wisconsin vs. South Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the differences in real estate between Wisconsin and South Dakota is crucial. This comparison will give you a sense of what to expect in terms of housing costs, styles, and lifestyles, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Wisconsin
South Dakota
Typical Architecture Style
Craftsman, Colonial
Ranch, Split-level
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Lakeside properties, Energy efficiency
Big yards, Proximity to nature

Despite the slight advantage in affordability that South Dakota offers in both median home prices and monthly rents, Wisconsin presents a more urban lifestyle with higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting its denser urban areas and perhaps a more dynamic day-to-day life for residents. The typical architecture styles also hint at regional differences, with Wisconsin homes often showing a preference for Craftsman and Colonial styles, whereas South Dakota leans towards Ranch and Split-level designs, possibly emphasizing its more spacious and natural surroundings. Popular real estate listing items further showcase these differences, with Wisconsin listings highlighting lakeside properties and energy efficiency, while South Dakota's listings focus on large yards and closeness to nature, mirroring each state's unique environment and lifestyle.

Wisconsin vs. South Dakota Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another comes with the necessity to adjust to a new environment, and understanding the weather differences is crucial. By examining the weather comparison between Wisconsin and South Dakota , you'll be better prepared for what awaits you in terms of climate, ensuring a smoother transition.

Wisconsin
South Dakota
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Severe winters, Tornadoes
Tornadoes, Blizzards
Air Quality
Good
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

82°F / 57°F
85°F / 60°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

27°F / 13°F
29°F / 10°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

34
20
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

48
39


When you move from Wisconsin to South Dakota, anticipate experiencing more sunny days and slightly warmer summer temperatures. However, winters can be colder in South Dakota, particularly at night. It's also less humid, which might be a welcome change for those sensitive to moisture in the air. The annual UV index in South Dakota is higher, meaning extra precautions may need to be taken against sun exposure. Another critical aspect to consider is the reduction in annual rainfall, suggesting that South Dakota experiences dryer conditions overall. This, combined with the slight differences in natural disasters and seasonal allergies, points to a distinct weather profile that could affect your daily life and activities.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota

If you're considering moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota , understanding the financial differences is crucial. This guide aims to highlight key cost factors that will impact your lifestyle and help you budget effectively in your new home.

Wisconsin
South Dakota
Avg. Household Income
$70,996
$69,728
Cost of Living Index
95.65
94.1
State Income Tax
3.54%
0%
Avg. Property Tax
1.68%
1.22%
Avg. Sales Tax
5.44%
4.50%
Top 3 Industries
Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
Agriculture, Retail, Tourism
Affluence
Moderate
Modest
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
Noticeable
Low

Moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota can significantly impact your personal finances. For one, South Dakota's favorable tax policies stand out, with no state income tax compared to Wisconsin's 3.54%, which can lead to higher disposable income. Additionally, while the average household income in Wisconsin is higher, South Dakota's lower cost of living index can offset this difference, providing you with more buying power. On the other hand, South Dakota's top industries emphasize agriculture and tourism, which may offer different job opportunities compared to Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Evaluating these factors can help you make a more informed decision about your financial future in South Dakota.

Wisconsin vs. South Dakota Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for a move from Wisconsin to South Dakota, getting acquainted with the cultural landscape is crucial. This comparison will provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Wisconsin & South Dakota. Understanding these aspects will help you get a feel for your new community and adapt more seamlessly to your new surroundings.

Wisconsin
South Dakota
Political Make-up
Moderate swing state, leaning slightly Democratic in recent elections
Strongly Republican, especially in statewide and national elections
Local Politics
Varies by location, with urban areas leaning more Democratic and rural areas more Republican
Consistently Republican across most of the state, with some exceptions in Native American reservations
Religion
Majorly Christian, with a significant Roman Catholic presence
Primarily Protestant, with a notable Evangelical Christian following

In moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota, you'll be transitioning from a politically swing state with a rich mosaic of urban and rural perspectives, to a state with a more uniformly Republican tilt. This shift is reflective of both the local politics and broader state-wide elections. Religion plays a vital role in both states, though their majority denominations differ, with Wisconsin having a strong Roman Catholic community, and South Dakota being more Protestant with a significant Evangelical presence. Understanding these dynamics can be key to feeling at home in your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota

Moving from Wisconsin to South Dakota involves several considerations, not least of which is the educational landscape. To ensure you make an informed decision, it's crucial to compare the differences in schools and education between Wisconsin and South Dakota . This comparison will help you understand what school options are available and how they stack up against each other.

WisconsinSouth Dakota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Black Hills State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Swan School (Madison)
Lakeview Elementary (Neenah)
Richmond School (Milwaukee)
Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Buchanan Elementary (Huron)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Whitefish Bay Middle (Whitefish Bay)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)

Top 3 High Schools

Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Madison West High School (Madison)
Eau Claire Memorial High (Eau Claire)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Brookings High School (Brookings)

Top 3 private high schools

University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Madison)
O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Prairie School (Racine)
Sacred Heart School (Yankton)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)

Top 3 School Districts

Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Waunakee Community School District
Sioux Falls School District
Brandon Valley School District
Brookings School District

When comparing the educational options in Wisconsin and South Dakota, some notable differences become apparent, particularly in terms of where most seniors choose to attend college. In Wisconsin, options like the University of Wisconsin-Madison spotlight the state's strong public university system. For those moving to South Dakota, South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota present significant opportunities for higher education. In the realm of K-12 education, both states boast highly rated schools and districts such as Elmbrook School District in Wisconsin and Sioux Falls School District in South Dakota, indicating a commitment to quality education regardless of the state. Adjusting to a new educational system can be a seamless experience with the right information and preparation.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Wisconsin to South Dakota Movers Featured Image