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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Riverside is 85% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,812/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 45%
$88,575/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 16%
$542,100 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 50%
$1,880/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 40%
316,241
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $819/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $9,828/year.

Median household income is $13,861/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $819/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $13,861/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Sioux Falls

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati 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