Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Salt Lake City is 50% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,343/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 26%
$74,925/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$74,714/yr ≈ Same
$495,700 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 45%
$1,394/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 20%
203,888
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $211/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $211/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and South Dakota?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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