Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Ann Arbor, MI
A move from Sioux Falls, SD to Ann Arbor, MI covers 819 mi and around 15h 2m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
819 mi Β· 15h 2m by car Β· SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 11.3% pricier overall in Ann Arbor than Sioux Falls on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Ann Arbor typical home at $523,391 is 11.3% above Sioux Falls at $329,723 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 37.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 46.6Β°F vs 48.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Ann Arbor sees 59.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Ann Arbor is 11.3% above Sioux Falls ($74,714 β $81,089, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 8.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 819 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 Ann Arbor compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 58.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 819 mi and the route typically takes 15h 2m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 11.3% higher than Sioux Falls (100.88 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· Ann Arbor, MI.