Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Chesapeake is 44% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,523/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 35%
$94,189/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 21%
$359,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 24%
$1,680/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 33%
251,153
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $19,475/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $19,475/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Dakota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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