Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
It is a 350 mi drive, roughly 6h 39m, between Cedar Rapids, IA and Sioux Falls, SD. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
350 mi · 6h 39m by car · SD → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | SD → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 20, I 29, I 380 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 88.963 vs 90.631 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.9% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $204,112 to $329,723 moving to Sioux Falls.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 11°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 28.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3°F) and Sioux Falls (46.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.39 |
Households in Sioux Falls earn about 1.9% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sioux Falls MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,940 | $40,110 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 16,710 | $67,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,250 | $37,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,420 | $29,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,080 | $39,450 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and South Dakota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Dakota's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Sioux Falls?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 350 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids — a 10.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 1.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (90.631 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 350 mi and the route typically takes 6h 39m via US 20 and I 29. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids — a 61.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA · Sioux Falls, SD.