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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

San Diego is 153% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$2,223/mo ↑ 124%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 55%
$104,321/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 28%
$848,500 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 68%
$2,308/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 51%
1,385,061
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,230/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $14,760/year.

Median household income is $29,607/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $1,230/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $29,607/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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