($1,517) Movers From Lafayette, LA to Sioux Falls, SD

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Sioux Falls

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

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

• Rent prices in Sioux Falls are 61% lower than in Lafayette, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
  Home prices in Sioux Falls are 48.9% higher than in Lafayette.
• Income in Sioux Falls is 1.6% lower than in Lafayette, 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 is the same in Sioux Falls and Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 7.9% higher than in Lafayette.
• The unemployment rate in Sioux Falls is 44.83% lower than in Lafayette.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Sioux Falls, since the city’s sales taxes in Sioux Falls are 31.22% lower than in Lafayette.
• One perk of moving to Sioux Falls is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,974.79 in Sioux Falls to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Sioux Falls

• The population of Sioux Falls is about 67% greater than Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. Sioux Falls has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Lafayette is ranked 3. Ratings are based on a city’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 Lafayette. Based on its score of 38 out of 100, Sioux Falls isn’t as walkable as Lafayette, which has a score of 42 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.
• Sioux Falls and Lafayette are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 46 and 47 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Sioux Falls as Lafayette. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Sioux Falls is generally as safe as Lafayette, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Sioux Falls and Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a South Dakota moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: South Dakota doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Sioux Falls. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Sioux Falls

Ready to relocate to "Best Little City in America"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Sioux Falls.

Helpful moving resources