Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Lincoln and Sioux Falls have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 5%
$69,991/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 7%
$248,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 9%
$1,140/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 2%
291,932
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $4,723/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Lincoln or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $4,723/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and South Dakota?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Sioux Falls

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