Key factors that impact the cost of your Mobile to Sioux Falls movetoggle

The cost of Mobile movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Mobile to Sioux Falls (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,460, while larger moves may reach $9,070 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Mobile.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $882 to $2,161, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Mobile to Sioux Falls

Moving from Mobile to Sioux Falls means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Mobile than in Sioux Falls, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Mobile compares to Sioux Falls so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Mobile Sioux Falls
Average rent cost $1,300 $1,100
Average home value $186,159 $318,982
Average income (per capita) $61,962 $58,538
Cost of living (single person) $1,825 $1,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,104 $4,542
Unemployment rate 6.2% 3.2%
Sales tax 10.0% 6.5%
State income tax 5.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Sioux Falls are 15% lower than in Mobile, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
    Home prices in Sioux Falls are 71.3% higher than in Mobile.
  • Income in Sioux Falls is 5.5% lower than in Mobile, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Sioux Falls include Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Smithfield Foods.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Sioux Falls is 3.0% lower than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Sioux Falls, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Sioux Falls is 10.7% higher than in Mobile.
  • The unemployment rate in Sioux Falls is 48.39% lower than in Mobile.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Sioux Falls, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Sioux Falls are 35.00% lower than in Mobile.
  • One perk of moving to Sioux Falls is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Mobile.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,909.59 in Sioux Falls to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.

How life is different in Mobile vs. Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Mobile
Population 202,600 187,041
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 3
Walkability score 38 32
Bike friendliness score 46 34
Crime Index 42.83 64.95
Safety Index 57.17 35.05
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Sioux Falls is about 8% greater than Mobile, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Sioux Falls without a car might be more difficult than in Mobile. Sioux Falls has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Mobile is ranked 3. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Sioux Falls means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Mobile. Sioux Falls is considered more walkable than Mobile, with a score of 38 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Mobile. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Sioux Falls is considered more bike-friendly than Mobile in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Sioux Falls has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, while Mobile is rated as 34 out of 100.
  • Sioux Falls has a lower crime rate than Mobile based on scores of 42.83 and Mobile's 64.95, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Sioux Falls than in Mobile, based on Sioux Fallsโ€™s safety index of 57.17 versus 35.05 for Mobile. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Sioux Falls and Mobile is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Sioux Falls move

  • Weather: August, June and September are the most pleasant months in Sioux Falls, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Dakota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Sioux Falls. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Sioux Falls

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Best Little City in America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Sioux Falls.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Sioux Falls
  • East Sioux Falls
  • McKennan Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • McKennan Park
  • Downtown Sioux Falls
  • West Sioux Falls
  • East Sioux Falls
  • Cherry Lake

Things to do in Sioux Falls

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in South Dakota, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Sioux Falls has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Sioux Falls features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Empire Medical Museum, Eastbank Art Gallery, and Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Great Bear Recreation Park, Terrace Park, Good Earth State Park, and Veterans' Memorial Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Sioux Falls Skyforce (G League), Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), Augustana Vikings (NSIC), or Sioux Falls Cougars (NSIC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Mobile to Sioux Falls?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Mobile to Sioux Falls are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Mobile are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Sioux Falls?

With many people choosing to move from Mobile to Sioux Falls in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Mobile to Sioux Falls take?

Moving from Mobile, AL to Sioux Falls, SD covers 1,193 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Mobile movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Sioux Falls.

Helpful moving resources