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

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from San Jose to Sioux Falls (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,467, while larger moves may reach $11,677 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 San Jose.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,232 to $3,186, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Jose to Sioux Falls

Moving from San Jose 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 San Jose than in Sioux Falls, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

San Jose Sioux Falls
Average rent cost $3,095 $1,100
Average home value $1,453,657 $318,982
Average income (per capita) $83,421 $58,538
Cost of living (single person) $3,674 $1,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,354 $4,542
Unemployment rate 6.6% 3.2%
Sales tax 9.38% 6.5%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Sioux Falls are 65% lower than in San Jose, 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 Sioux Falls.
    Home prices in Sioux Falls are 78.1% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Sioux Falls is 29.8% lower than in San Jose, 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 51.8% lower than in San Jose. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Sioux Falls is 45.6% lower than in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Sioux Falls is 51.52% lower than in San Jose.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Sioux Falls, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Sioux Falls are 30.70% lower than in San Jose.
  • One perk of moving to Sioux Falls is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Jose.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,445.29 in Sioux Falls to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How life is different in San Jose vs. Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls San Jose
Population 202,600 971,233
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 7
Walkability score 38 51
Bike friendliness score 46 62
Crime Index 42.83 47.73
Safety Index 57.17 52.27
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Sioux Falls might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 79% less than San Jose.
  • Getting around Sioux Falls without a car might be more difficult than in San Jose. Sioux Falls has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas San Jose is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Sioux Falls neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Jose. Based on its score of 38 out of 100, Sioux Falls isnโ€™t as walkable as San Jose, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Sioux Falls, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Jose. While San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, Sioux Falls earned a 46. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Sioux Falls has a lower crime rate than San Jose based on scores of 42.83 and San Jose's 47.73, 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 San Jose, based on Sioux Fallsโ€™s safety index of 57.17 versus 52.27 for San Jose. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Sioux Falls has better air quality than in San Jose. Sioux Falls has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Jose. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your San Jose 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

Now that you've made the move to South Dakota, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Sioux Falls. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Sioux Falls, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 San Jose to Sioux Falls?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Sioux Falls?

With many people choosing to move from San Jose 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 San Jose to Sioux Falls take?

Moving from San Jose, CA to Sioux Falls, SD covers 1,781 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some San Jose movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Sioux Falls.

Helpful moving resources