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

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Harrisburg to Sioux Falls (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,454, while larger moves may reach $8,597 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 Harrisburg.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $901 to $2,400, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Sioux Falls

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

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

Harrisburg Sioux Falls
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,100
Average home value $230,038 $318,982
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $58,538
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $1,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $4,542
Unemployment rate 13.4% 3.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.5%
State income tax 3.07% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Sioux Falls are 8% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg.
    Home prices in Sioux Falls are 38.7% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Sioux Falls is 20.1% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 4.3% lower than in Harrisburg. 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 25.7% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Sioux Falls is 76.12% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Sioux Falls, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Sioux Falls are 8.33% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • One perk of moving to Sioux Falls is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,871.82 in Sioux Falls to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Harrisburg
Population 202,600 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 38 68
Bike friendliness score 46 57
Crime Index 42.83 64.18
Safety Index 57.17 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Sioux Falls is about 304% greater than Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg. Sioux Falls has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Harrisburg is ranked 6. 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 Harrisburg. Based on its score of 38 out of 100, Sioux Falls isnโ€™t as walkable as Harrisburg, which has a score of 68 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 Harrisburg. While Harrisburg has a bike-friendliness score of 57 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 Harrisburg based on scores of 42.83 and Harrisburg's 64.18, 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 Harrisburg, based on Sioux Fallsโ€™s safety index of 57.17 versus 35.82 for Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg. Sioux Falls has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Dakota moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in South Dakota, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toSioux Falls Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Sioux Falls

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Best Little City in America" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Sioux Falls to check out.

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 Harrisburg to Sioux Falls?

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Sioux Falls take?

Moving from Harrisburg, PA to Sioux Falls, SD covers 1,230 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Harrisburg movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Sioux Falls.

Helpful moving resources