Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Albuquerque and Sioux Falls have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 8%
$65,604/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 14%
$266,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 2%
$1,149/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 2%
562,488
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $9,110/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $9,110/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and South Dakota?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with rent of $993/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Sioux Falls

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