Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Birmingham is 16% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$1,047/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 5%
$44,376/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 68%
$138,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 96%
$991/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 13%
199,322
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
4.2%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $30,338/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Birmingham or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $30,338/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and South Dakota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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.
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