Moving from Kent, WA to Sioux Falls, SD
The drive from Kent, WA to Sioux Falls, SD runs 1476 mi β about 25h 41m 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.
1476 mi Β· 25h 41m by car Β· SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue, Renton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Sioux Falls are 18.4% below Kent β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Sioux Falls typical home at $329,723 is 18.4% under Kent at $656,314 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 28.3" |
Climate cools by 7.2Β°F on the annual average β 53.8Β°F β 46.6Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.39 |
Income steps down 18.4%: $90,416 in Kent vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls.
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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1476 mi and the route typically takes 25h 41m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $90,416 in Kent β a 17.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 18.4% lower than Kent (90.631 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kent 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 1476 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $656,314 in Kent β a 49.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Sioux Falls, SD.