Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Mesa is 37% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,478/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 33%
$78,779/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 5%
$364,300 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 26%
$1,404/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 20%
507,478
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $4,065/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $4,065/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Dakota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Sioux Falls

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Sioux Falls vs. Grand Rapids Sioux Falls vs. Overland Park Sioux Falls vs. Montgomery Sioux Falls vs. Huntington Beach Sioux Falls vs. Grand Prairie Sioux Falls vs. Peoria