Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Lincoln, NE
The 211 mi from Sioux Falls to Lincoln translate to about 4h 8m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
211 mi Β· 4h 8m by car Β· NE β IA β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 77, I 29, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Sioux Falls (90.631) and Lincoln (91.581) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Lincoln ZHVI at $291,062 is 1.0% below Sioux Falls at $329,723.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 29.3" |
Climate warms by 5.7Β°F on the annual average β 46.6Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.0 in of snowfall annually at Lincoln.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 1.0%: $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $69,991 in Lincoln.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lincoln MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,500 | $40,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,810 | $29,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,720 | $35,130 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,440 | $43,440 |
| Management Occupations | 13,270 | $99,080 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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: Lincoln averages 26.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Lincoln, NE from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 211 mi and the route typically takes 4h 8m via US 77 and I 29. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 211 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 6.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 1.0% higher than Sioux Falls (91.581 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 11.7% 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· Lincoln, NE.