Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Seattle is 151% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,998/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 50%
$121,984/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 39%
$912,100 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 70%
$2,220/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 49%
741,440
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,005/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $12,060/year.

Median household income is $47,270/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $1,005/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $47,270/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Dakota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Sioux Falls

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