Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Cary, NC (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Sioux Falls is 42% cheaper than Cary.

$993/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 63%
$74,714/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 73%
$271,400 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 94%
$1,122/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 55%
197,642
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $54,685/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Cary — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Cary?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Cary?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $54,685/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and North Carolina?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Cary details →

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