Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL
Relocating 581 mi from Sioux Falls to Chicago is a 10h 45m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
581 mi Β· 10h 45m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $329,723 vs $317,283.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Sioux Falls ($74,714) and Chicago ($75,134) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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 much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 3.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 581 mi and the route typically takes 10h 45m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chicago more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 14.3% higher than Sioux Falls (103.595 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 581 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Chicago, IL.