Moving from Elgin, IL to Sioux Falls, SD
A move from Elgin, IL to Sioux Falls, SD covers 536 mi and around 9h 41m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
536 mi Β· 9h 41m by car Β· SD β MN β WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β MN β WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 229 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | 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 |
Sioux Falls is 12.5% cheaper than Elgin overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Elgin and Sioux Falls are within 5% of each other ($329,682 vs $329,723 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 28.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Elgin (49.0Β°F) and Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Sioux Falls is 12.5% below Elgin ($88,316 β $74,714, ACS 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 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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 536 mi and the route typically takes 9h 41m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 15.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elgin 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 536 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 Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin 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 Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 12.5% lower than Elgin (90.631 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Sioux Falls, SD.