Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Springfield, IL
The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Springfield, IL runs 600 mi β about 11h 6m 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.
600 mi Β· 11h 6m by car Β· SD β IA β NE β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β IA β NE β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 36, I 229 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Sioux Falls (90.631) and Springfield (92.745) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 2.3% below Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 40.4" |
Climate warms by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 46.6Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.24 |
Income steps down 2.3%: $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $65,537 in Springfield.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 50.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 600 mi and the route typically takes 11h 6m via I 29 and US 36. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 600 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 Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 12.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.3% higher than Sioux Falls (92.745 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Springfield, IL.