Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Madison, WI
Relocating between Sioux Falls, SD and Madison, WI is a 433 mi drive β 8h 9m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
433 mi Β· 8h 9m by car Β· WI β MN β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, US 12 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $329,723 to $423,767 moving to Madison.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) and Madison (47.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.19 |
Median household incomes in Sioux Falls ($74,714) and Madison ($76,983) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 433 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 Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 3.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 28.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Madison, WI from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 433 mi and the route typically takes 8h 9m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 7.3% higher than Sioux Falls (97.287 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· Madison, WI.