Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Philadelphia is 9% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,323/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 25%
$60,698/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 23%
$232,400 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 17%
$1,233/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 9%
1,582,432
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $14,016/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $14,016/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and South Dakota?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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