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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Sioux Falls is 66% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$993/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 141%
$74,714/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 47%
$271,400 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 289%
$1,122/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 119%
197,642
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,402/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $16,824/year.

Median household income is $35,359/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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 Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,402/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $35,359/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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