Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Sioux Falls is 69% cheaper than Berkeley.

$993/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 114%
$74,714/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 45%
$271,400 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 398%
$1,122/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 109%
197,642
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,134/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $13,608/year.

Median household income is $33,844/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Berkeley?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,134/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Berkeley?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $33,844/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and California?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Berkeley details →

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