Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Arlington is 160% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$2,275/mo ↑ 129%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 56%
$140,160/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 47%
$864,800 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 69%
$2,414/mo ↑ 115%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 54%
235,463
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,282/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $15,384/year.

Median household income is $65,446/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Arlington 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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $1,282/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $65,446/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Dakota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Sioux Falls

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane 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