Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Omaha, NE
Relocating between Sioux Falls, SD and Omaha, NE is a 186 mi drive β 3h 20m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
186 mi Β· 3h 20m by car Β· NE β IA β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, I 680, I 229 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Sioux Falls and Omaha sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Omaha run about 1.4% cheaper β ZHVI $329,723 β $294,189 (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 46.6Β°F vs 51.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.44 |
Household income lines up β $74,714 vs $72,708 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
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
- 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
Is Omaha more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 1.4% higher than Sioux Falls (91.911 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 Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 186 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 Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 2.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 10.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Omaha, NE from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 186 mi and the route typically takes 3h 20m via I 29 and I 680. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Omaha, NE.