Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Bellevue, WA
A move from Sioux Falls, SD to Bellevue, WA covers 1470 mi and around 25h 31m of driving through 5 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.
1470 mi Β· 25h 31m by car Β· SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Kent, Renton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Bellevue | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 22.6% higher overall in Bellevue vs Sioux Falls on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Bellevue: 22.6% above Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Bellevue -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 37.8" |
Bellevue runs 6.6Β°F warmer on the annual average (46.6Β°F vs 53.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Light snow year: Bellevue gets around 3.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 151,199 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $161,300 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.46 |
Median household income in Bellevue is 22.6% above Sioux Falls ($74,714 vs $161,300, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Bellevue MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Bellevue?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1470 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Bellevue more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bellevue is 22.6% higher than Sioux Falls (111.133 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Bellevue?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $161,300 in Bellevue vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 115.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Bellevue compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Bellevue, WA from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 1470 mi and the route typically takes 25h 31m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Bellevue compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,516,154 in Bellevue vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 359.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Bellevue, WA.