Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Chicago is 28% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,380/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 28%
$75,134/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$74,714/yr ≈ Same
$315,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 25%
2,707,648
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $420/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $420/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Dakota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Sioux Falls

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