Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Cincinnati is 12% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$953/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↑ 4%
$51,707/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 44%
$215,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 26%
$1,041/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 8%
309,595
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,007/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $23,007/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and South Dakota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Sioux Falls

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark 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