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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Irvine is 228% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$2,893/mo ↑ 191%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 66%
$129,647/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 42%
$1,115,400 ↑ 311%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 76%
$2,904/mo ↑ 159%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 61%
308,160
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,900/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $22,800/year.

Median household income is $54,933/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $1,900/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $54,933/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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