Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Elgin, IL
A move from Sioux Falls, SD to Elgin, IL covers 536 mi and around 9h 41m of driving through 4 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.
536 mi Β· 9h 41m by car Β· SD β MN β WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β MN β WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 229 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Elgin | 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 |
Moderate COL step-up: 14.3% pricier overall in Elgin than Sioux Falls on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 46.6Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elgin sees 32.1 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, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 14.3% above Sioux Falls ($74,714 β $88,316, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elgin 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
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elgin averages 32.1 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 18.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elgin more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin 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.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 536 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 Elgin compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin 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.
How far is Elgin, IL from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 536 mi and the route typically takes 9h 41m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Elgin, IL.