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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Oakland is 150% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,917/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 48%
$97,369/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 23%
$924,700 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 71%
$2,164/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 48%
438,072
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $924/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $11,088/year.

Median household income is $22,655/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $924/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $22,655/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Sioux Falls

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