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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Los Angeles is 140% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,879/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 47%
$80,366/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 7%
$879,500 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 69%
$2,055/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 45%
3,857,897
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $5,652/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $5,652/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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