Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Sioux Falls is 22% cheaper than Aurora.

$993/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 55%
$74,714/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 21%
$271,400 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 4%
$1,122/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 42%
197,642
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.28%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $15,395/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Aurora — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Aurora?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Aurora?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $15,395/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Illinois?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

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