Moving from Madison, WI to Sioux Falls, SD
Relocating between Madison, WI and Sioux Falls, SD is a 433 mi drive β 8h 9m 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.
433 mi Β· 8h 9m by car Β· WI β MN β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, US 12 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Sioux Falls at 90.631 vs Madison at 97.287.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $329,723 moving to Sioux Falls.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 28.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Madison (47.2Β°F) and Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.39 |
Median household incomes in Madison ($76,983) and Sioux Falls ($74,714) are within a few percent (ACS 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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 Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 433 mi and the route typically takes 8h 9m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $76,983 in Madison β a 2.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Madison 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 433 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $423,767 in Madison β a 22.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 6.8% lower than Madison (90.631 vs 97.287, 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Sioux Falls, SD.