Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Allentown, PA
It is 1293 mi between Sioux Falls and Allentown β roughly 23h 56m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1293 mi Β· 23h 56m by car Β· SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown runs about 10.3% more expensive overall than Sioux Falls β RPP 90.631 β 99.968.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Allentown run about 10.3% cheaper β ZHVI $329,723 β $309,699 (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 47.4" |
Annual temperature rises 6.5Β°F moving to Allentown per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.72 |
Allentown households earn about 10.3% less than Sioux Falls at the median β $74,714 β $53,403 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Allentown averages 33.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1293 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Allentown more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 10.3% higher than Sioux Falls (99.968 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 28.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 1293 mi and the route typically takes 23h 56m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 6.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Allentown, PA.