Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Anchorage is 45% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,453/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 32%
$98,152/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 24%
$375,900 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 28%
$1,698/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 34%
289,069
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $23,438/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Anchorage 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $23,438/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and South Dakota?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Sioux Falls

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Sioux Falls vs. Grand Rapids Sioux Falls vs. Overland Park Sioux Falls vs. Montgomery Sioux Falls vs. Huntington Beach Sioux Falls vs. Grand Prairie Sioux Falls vs. Peoria