Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Athens, GA (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Sioux Falls is 6% cheaper than Athens.

$993/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 17%
$74,714/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 31%
$271,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$271,800 ≈ Same
$1,122/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 4%
197,642
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $23,059/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Athens — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Athens?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Athens?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $23,059/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Georgia?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Athens details →

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