Moving from Omaha, NE to Sioux Falls, SD
Relocating between Omaha, NE and Sioux Falls, SD is a 186 mi drive — 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 · 3h 20m by car · NE → IA → SD
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, I 680, I 229 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.911 vs 90.631 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.4% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Omaha | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 15°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | — | 28.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Omaha (51.3°F) and Sioux Falls (46.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.39 |
Median household incomes in Omaha ($72,708) 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 Nebraska 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 Sioux Falls compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $294,189 in Omaha — a 12.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Omaha, NE?
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.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Sioux Falls?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% 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 — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $72,708 in Omaha — a 2.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 1.4% lower than Omaha (90.631 vs 91.911, 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE · Sioux Falls, SD.