Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Sioux Falls, SD

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs Sioux Falls, SD

Pennsylvania Sioux Falls
Average rent cost $1,110 $1,100
Average home value $268,824 $318,982
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $58,538
Unemployment rate 3% 3%
State income tax 3% 0%
  • Rent is about the same cost in Sioux Falls and Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 19% higher in Sioux Falls than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 20% lower in Sioux Falls than in Pennsylvania.
  • Sioux Falls has a lower unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 6%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Sioux Falls than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in Sioux Falls from Pennsylvania

Sioux Falls Pennsylvania
Population 202,600 12,961,683
Political leaning Republican 63-37 Republican 51-49
Summer high 84ºF 83ºF
Winter low 60ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 27" 44"
Annual snow 38" 38"
Crime index 42.83 17.62
  • The population of Sioux Falls is approximately 98% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Sioux Falls voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Sioux Falls is 84ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Sioux Falls reaches the temperature of 60ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 27 inches of annual rainfall in Sioux Falls vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Sioux Falls, it snows about 38 inches annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Sioux Falls has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 42.83 vs 17.62.

Things to do in Sioux Falls

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Sioux Falls.

Museums in Sioux Fallstoggle

  • Old Courthouse Museum
  • Sioux Empire Medical Museum
  • Eastbank Art Gallery
  • Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History

Parks in Sioux Fallstoggle

  • Great Bear Recreation Park
  • Terrace Park
  • Good Earth State Park
  • Veterans' Memorial Park
  • Tuthill Park
  • Falls Park
  • SculptureWalk & Arc of Dreams Monument
  • Sioux Falls Bike Trails
  • Butterfly House & Aquarium

Sports Teams in Sioux Fallstoggle

  • Sioux Falls Skyforce (G League)
  • Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
  • Augustana Vikings (NSIC)
  • Sioux Falls Cougars (NSIC)

Universities in Sioux Fallstoggle

  • Augustana University
  • Kilian Community College
  • University of Sioux Falls
  • National American University Sioux Falls
  • Southeast Technical Institute
  • Colorado Technical University Sioux Falls
  • Globe University Sioux Falls

Other considerations when moving to Sioux Falls, SD

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 South Dakota. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

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

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to Sioux Falls, SD, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to Sioux Falls will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Sioux Falls from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Sioux Falls?

Because of the 1181-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to Sioux Falls as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sioux Falls, SD?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 60ºF, most people move to Sioux Falls from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Sioux Falls during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources