Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Dearborn, MI
Relocating 852 mi from Sioux Falls to Dearborn is a 15h 36m drive through 6 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.
852 mi Β· 15h 36m 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 | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Dearborn runs about 10.7% more expensive overall than Sioux Falls β RPP 90.631 β 100.298.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $329,723 in Sioux Falls to $245,068 in Dearborn, a 10.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 35.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 46.6Β°F vs 49.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dearborn sees 30.8 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, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.97 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.7% lower in Dearborn than Sioux Falls.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dearborn MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
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: Dearborn averages 30.8 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
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 852 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 852 mi and the route typically takes 15h 36m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 12.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 10.7% higher than Sioux Falls (100.298 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 25.7% lower 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· Dearborn, MI.