Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Denver is 88% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,770/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 44%
$91,681/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 19%
$586,700 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 54%
$1,839/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 39%
713,734
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $16,967/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $777/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $16,967/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Dakota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Sioux Falls

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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