Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Scottsdale is 112% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,910/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 48%
$107,372/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 30%
$709,900 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 62%
$1,824/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 38%
242,169
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $32,658/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $32,658/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Dakota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Sioux Falls details →

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