Moving from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
Relocating 581 mi from Chicago to Sioux Falls is a 10h 45m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
581 mi Β· 10h 45m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.5% cheaper overall in Sioux Falls than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Chicago to Sioux Falls β $317,283 vs $329,723 (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 28.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.39 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Illinois 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 3.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Sioux Falls?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 581 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 12.5% lower than Chicago (90.631 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 0.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 581 mi and the route typically takes 10h 45m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Sioux Falls, SD.