Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Baton Rouge is 6% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$1,044/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 5%
$49,944/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 50%
$224,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 21%
$1,043/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 8%
223,699
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $24,770/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $24,770/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Dakota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/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 Baton Rouge details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Sioux Falls

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