Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Sioux Falls is 39% cheaper than Charleston.

$993/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 64%
$74,714/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 21%
$271,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 73%
$1,122/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 50%
197,642
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $639/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $7,668/year.

Median household income is $15,324/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Charleston — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Charleston?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $639/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Charleston?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $15,324/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and South Carolina?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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