Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Fort Wayne is 19% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$959/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↑ 4%
$60,293/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 24%
$169,700 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 60%
$950/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 18%
266,235
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,421/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $14,421/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and South Dakota?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/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 Fort Wayne details → View Sioux Falls details →

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