Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Madison is 32% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,364/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 27%
$76,983/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 3%
$346,900 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 22%
$1,476/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 24%
275,568
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $2,269/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $2,269/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and South Dakota?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Sioux Falls details →

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