Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Raleigh is 41% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,468/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 32%
$82,424/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 9%
$377,800 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 28%
$1,487/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 25%
470,763
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $7,710/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $7,710/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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