Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Boston is 126% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$2,093/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 53%
$94,755/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 21%
$710,400 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 48%
663,972
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,100/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $13,200/year.

Median household income is $20,041/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $1,100/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $20,041/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Dakota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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