Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

New Orleans is 15% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,211/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 18%
$55,339/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 35%
$296,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 8%
$1,274/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 12%
376,035
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $19,375/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is New Orleans 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $19,375/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Dakota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Sioux Falls

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim 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