($1,466) Movers From Lansing, MI to Sioux Falls, SD

What to know before moving from Lansing to Sioux Falls

Moving from Lansing to Sioux Falls comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Sioux Falls is generally more expensive than Lansing, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Sioux Falls are 3% lower than in Lansing, 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 Lansing.
  Home prices in Sioux Falls are 114.7% higher than in Lansing.
• Income in Sioux Falls is 9.6% lower than in Lansing, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Sioux Falls include Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Smithfield Foods.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Sioux Falls, since the cost of living for a single person in Sioux Falls is 11.0% higher than in Lansing. 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 8.2% higher than in Lansing.
• The unemployment rate in Sioux Falls is 56.76% lower than in Lansing.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Sioux Falls, since the city’s sales taxes in Sioux Falls are 8.33% higher than in Lansing.
• One perk of moving to Sioux Falls is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,329.15 in Sioux Falls to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Sioux Falls

• The population of Sioux Falls is about 80% greater than Lansing, 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 Lansing. Sioux Falls has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Lansing is ranked 5. 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 Lansing. Based on its score of 38 out of 100, Sioux Falls isn’t as walkable as Lansing, which has a score of 46 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 won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Sioux Falls, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Lansing. While Lansing has a bike-friendliness score of 55 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 Lansing based on scores of 42.83 and Lansing's 48.66, 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 Lansing, based on Sioux Falls’s safety index of 57.17 versus 51.34 for Lansing. 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 Lansing 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 Lansing 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