Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Detroit is 32% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$1,034/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 4%
$39,575/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 89%
$76,800 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 253%
$868/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 29%
636,644
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $35,139/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Detroit or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $35,139/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and South Dakota?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Sioux Falls

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