Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Dayton, OH
The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Dayton, OH runs 865 mi β about 15h 58m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
865 mi Β· 15h 58m by car Β· SD β IA β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β IA β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 74, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Sioux Falls (90.631) and Dayton (92.694) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 2.3% below Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 41.7" |
Climate warms by 6.7Β°F on the annual average β 46.6Β°F β 53.3Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.3% between Sioux Falls and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Dayton, OH from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 865 mi and the route typically takes 15h 58m via I 80 and I 74. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 41.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 58.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 2.3% higher than Sioux Falls (92.694 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 865 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Dayton, OH.