Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Fresno is 29% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,324/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 25%
$66,804/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 12%
$348,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 22%
$1,391/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 19%
543,615
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $7,910/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $7,910/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between California and South Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Sioux Falls

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