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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Sioux Falls and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$993/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 17%
$74,714/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 26%
$271,400 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 10%
$1,122/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 4%
197,642
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $19,061/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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 Columbia — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Columbia?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Columbia?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $19,061/year higher in Sioux Falls.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Columbia

Sioux Falls vs. Grand Rapids Sioux Falls vs. Overland Park Sioux Falls vs. Montgomery Sioux Falls vs. Huntington Beach Sioux Falls vs. Grand Prairie Sioux Falls vs. Peoria Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids