Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Killeen, TX

The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Killeen, TX runs 980 mi β€” about 17h 17m 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.

980 mi Β· 17h 17m by car Β· SD β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ KS β†’ OK β†’ TX

COL +0.6% Home values -33.3% Ξ” +20.0Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
980 mi
Drive time
17h 17m
States
6
Fuel (25 mpg)
39 gal
Route throughSD β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ KS β†’ OK β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 35, I 29, I 335
Major cities en routeOmaha, Topeka, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Sioux FallsKilleenU.S. avg
All items (RPP)90.63191.132100.0
Rents80.781.242100.0
Goods95.47293.757100.0
Services77.60577.884100.0

Killeen and Sioux Falls are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.631 vs 91.132); rent and services often drive the real difference.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Sioux Falls β€” typical home
$329,723
Killeen β€” typical home
$219,957
Sioux Falls β€” typical rent
$1,301/mo
Killeen β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo

Housing gap is large: Killeen typical home at $219,957 is 0.6% under Sioux Falls at $329,723 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsSioux FallsKilleen
Annual avg temperature47Β°F67Β°F
January avg low7Β°F36Β°F
July avg high85Β°F96Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation28.3"34.8"

NOAA normals show Killeen running 20.0Β°F above Sioux Falls on the annual mean.

Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, KILLEEN, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Sioux FallsKilleen
Population197,642156,144
Median household income$74,714$58,339
Median age35.130
Bachelor's degree or higher25.4%16.2%
Avg household size2.392.61

Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.6% between Sioux Falls and Killeen (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Sioux Falls MSA β€” median wage
$45,440
Killeen MSA β€” median wage
$42,230
Sioux Falls MSA β€” employment
165,960
Killeen MSA β€” employment
147,020

Top occupations in Killeen MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 16,840 $37,540
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 15,620 $26,660
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 14,700 $81,360
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 13,820 $37,760
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations 12,710 $59,740

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between South Dakota and Texas

South Dakota income tax
no state income tax
Texas income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 20–30% 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

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
  • 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 Texas after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Killeen?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β€” a 21.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Killeen, TX from Sioux Falls, SD?

The driving distance is 980 mi and the route typically takes 17h 17m via I 35 and I 29. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Sioux Falls?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β€” a 33.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Killeen compare to Sioux Falls?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Killeen more expensive than Sioux Falls?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 0.6% higher than Sioux Falls (91.132 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 Killeen?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 980 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· Killeen, TX.

Related routes