Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Mesquite, TX
It is 853 mi between Sioux Falls and Mesquite β roughly 15h 9m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
853 mi Β· 15h 9m 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 | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.7% above Sioux Falls β 90.631 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 40.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 19.4Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesquite MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Mesquite 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 (19.4Β°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
Is Mesquite more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 13.7% higher than Sioux Falls (103.09 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 Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 853 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 Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 3.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 853 mi and the route typically takes 15h 9m via I 35 and I 29. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 20.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Mesquite, TX.