Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Des Moines is 10% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$1,054/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 6%
$63,966/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 17%
$183,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 48%
$1,137/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 1%
212,464
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $10,748/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Des Moines or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $10,748/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and South Dakota?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Sioux Falls details →

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