Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Memphis, TN
Relocating 818 mi from Sioux Falls to Memphis is a 15h 43m drive through 5 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.
818 mi Β· 15h 43m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 6, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.631 vs 92.179 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $329,723 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 54.9" |
Expect 16.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 1.7% β $74,714 β $51,211 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 Memphis average 92Β°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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Memphis more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 1.7% higher than Sioux Falls (92.179 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 Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 818 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 818 mi and the route typically takes 15h 43m via I 29 and US 6. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 56.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 31.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· Memphis, TN.