Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Lexington is 5% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,101/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 10%
$67,631/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 10%
$272,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$271,400 ≈ Same
$1,160/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 3%
321,122
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $7,083/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $7,083/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and South Dakota?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Sioux Falls details →

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