Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Denver, CO
The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Denver, CO runs 624 mi β about 11h 35m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
624 mi Β· 11h 35m by car Β· CO β NE β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, N-70, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Denver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.631 in Sioux Falls to 105.782 in Denver, a 16.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Denver: 16.7% above Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Denver -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 15.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 49.0 in of snowfall annually at Denver.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 713,734 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $91,681 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 33.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 16.7% between Sioux Falls and Denver (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Denver averages 49.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Denver average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Denver compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Denver MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 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 Denver?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 624 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Denver, CO from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 624 mi and the route typically takes 11h 35m via I 76 and N-70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Denver more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denver is 16.7% higher than Sioux Falls (105.782 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 Denver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,681 in Denver vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 22.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Denver compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $539,666 in Denver vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 63.7% 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· Denver, CO.