Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Elizabeth, NJ runs 1357 mi β about 25h 9m 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.
1357 mi Β· 25h 9m by car Β· SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 24.2% pricier overall price level β 90.631 β 112.563 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elizabeth typical home at $534,667 is 24.2% above Sioux Falls at $329,723 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 46.6" |
Climate warms by 8.9Β°F on the annual average β 46.6Β°F β 55.5Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 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, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
Income steps down 24.2%: $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $63,874 in Elizabeth.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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: Elizabeth averages 31.5 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 1357 mi and the route typically takes 25h 9m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 62.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 24.2% higher than Sioux Falls (112.563 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 Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 14.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1357 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 Elizabeth compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Elizabeth, NJ.