Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Sioux Falls is 55% cheaper than Alexandria.

$993/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 105%
$74,714/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 52%
$271,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 157%
$1,122/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 94%
197,642
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,038/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $12,456/year.

Median household income is $38,924/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Alexandria?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $1,038/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Alexandria?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $38,924/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Virginia?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Alexandria

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 Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen