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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Columbus is 6% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,224/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 19%
$65,327/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 14%
$234,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 16%
$1,243/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 10%
906,480
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $9,387/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 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

Columbus vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $9,387/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 Columbus or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Sioux Falls

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