Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Rochester is 22% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$1,039/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 4%
$46,628/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 60%
$120,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 125%
$1,009/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 11%
209,720
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $28,086/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Rochester or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $28,086/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between New York and South Dakota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Sioux Falls

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral 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