Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Joliet, IL
The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Joliet, IL runs 589 mi β about 10h 38m 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.
589 mi Β· 10h 38m by car Β· SD β IA β NE β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β IA β NE β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 29, I 880 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Joliet | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Joliet is 14.3% higher than Sioux Falls, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Joliet is 14.3% below Sioux Falls β $329,723 vs $259,875 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) and Joliet (50.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 14.3%: $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $88,026 in Joliet.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 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 much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 21.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 589 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 17.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet 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 Joliet, IL from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 589 mi and the route typically takes 10h 38m via I 80 and I 29. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet 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.
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· Joliet, IL.