Moving from Spokane, WA to Sioux Falls, SD
It is 1202 mi between Spokane and Sioux Falls β roughly 20h 35m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1202 mi Β· 20h 35m by car Β· WA β ID β MT β WY β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT β WY β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Billings |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Sioux Falls at 90.631 vs Spokane at 100.346.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 9.7% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 28.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.39 |
Households in Sioux Falls earn about 9.7% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sioux Falls MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,940 | $40,110 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 16,710 | $67,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,250 | $37,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,420 | $29,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,080 | $39,450 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and South Dakota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Dakota'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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 far is Sioux Falls, SD from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 1202 mi and the route typically takes 20h 35m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 16.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Sioux Falls?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1202 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 Spokane vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 13.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 9.7% lower than Spokane (90.631 vs 100.346, 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 Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Sioux Falls, SD.