Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Houston is 13% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,313/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 24%
$62,894/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 19%
$253,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 7%
$1,316/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 15%
2,300,419
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $11,820/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $11,820/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Dakota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Sioux Falls

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Sioux Falls vs. Grand Rapids Sioux Falls vs. Overland Park Sioux Falls vs. Montgomery Sioux Falls vs. Huntington Beach Sioux Falls vs. Grand Prairie Sioux Falls vs. Peoria