Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Baltimore is 8% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,290/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 23%
$59,623/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 25%
$219,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 24%
$1,333/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 16%
577,193
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $15,091/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $15,091/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and South Dakota?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Sioux Falls

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno 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