Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Durham is 35% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,412/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 30%
$79,234/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 6%
$355,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 24%
$1,434/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 22%
288,465
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $4,520/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $4,520/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Sioux Falls details →

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