Moving from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
The 283 mi from Des Moines to Sioux Falls translate to about 5h 7m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
283 mi Β· 5h 7m by car Β· IA β NE β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, I 80, I 880 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Des Moines (91.701) and Sioux Falls (90.631) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Sioux Falls: 1.2% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 28.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.39 |
Income steps up 1.2%: $63,966 in Des Moines vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls.
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 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 283 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 58.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 1.2% lower than Des Moines (90.631 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 16.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 283 mi and the route typically takes 5h 7m via I 29 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Sioux Falls, SD.