Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Austin is 72% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,655/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 40%
$91,461/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 18%
$512,700 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 47%
$1,747/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 36%
967,862
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $16,747/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $16,747/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Dakota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Sioux Falls details →

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