Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Minneapolis, MN
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Minneapolis, MN covers 237 mi and about 4h 47m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
237 mi · 4h 47m by car · MN → SD
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 169, MN 60, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Minneapolis is 15.7% higher than Sioux Falls, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Sioux Falls and Minneapolis are within 5% of each other ($329,723 vs $330,882 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 46°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 8°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 34.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Sioux Falls (46.6°F) and Minneapolis (45.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Minneapolis is 15.7% above Sioux Falls ($74,714 → $80,269, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Minneapolis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls — a 7.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 237 mi and the route typically takes 4h 47m via US 169 and MN 60. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 15.7% higher than Sioux Falls (104.822 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 Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 237 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls — a 0.4% higher 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 · Minneapolis, MN.