Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to McAllen, TX
The drive from Sioux Falls, SD to McAllen, TX runs 1348 mi β about 23h 39m 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.
1348 mi Β· 23h 39m by car Β· SD β IA β NE β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β IA β NE β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 29, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Topeka, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 90.631 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 5.2% below Sioux Falls on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in McAllen: 5.2% below Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 18.7" |
Major climate step-up: 28.9Β°F warmer annual average in McAllen vs Sioux Falls.
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.98 |
Income steps down 5.2%: $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $60,165 in McAllen.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Texas
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 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in McAllen average 98Β°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 (28.9Β°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
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1348 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 5.2% lower than Sioux Falls (85.895 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is McAllen, TX from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 1348 mi and the route typically takes 23h 39m 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 McAllen compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 30.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 19.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· McAllen, TX.