Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Birmingham, AL
Relocating 1046 mi from Sioux Falls to Birmingham is a 19h 56m drive through 7 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.
1046 mi Β· 19h 56m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IA β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IA β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, I 22, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Sioux Falls and Birmingham sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $329,723 in Sioux Falls to $135,870 in Birmingham, a 1.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 56.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 17.3Β°F β 46.6Β°F in Sioux Falls vs 63.9Β°F in Birmingham, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 1.4 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.25 |
Expect median household income to fall 1.1% β $74,714 β $44,376 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Birmingham average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Birmingham, AL from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 1046 mi and the route typically takes 19h 56m via I 29 and I 22. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 40.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 58.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1046 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 Birmingham compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 1.1% higher than Sioux Falls (91.644 vs 90.631, 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 Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Birmingham, AL.