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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Sioux Falls is 69% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$993/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 170%
$74,714/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 86%
$271,400 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 326%
$1,122/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 150%
197,642
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,685/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $20,220/year.

Median household income is $64,612/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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 Carlsbad — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,685/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $64,612/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Carlsbad

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