Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Boise is 44% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,359/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 27%
$81,308/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 8%
$456,000 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 40%
$1,337/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 16%
235,701
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $6,594/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Boise 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $6,594/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and South Dakota?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Sioux Falls

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