Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Sioux Falls is 13% cheaper than Elgin.

$993/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 27%
$74,714/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 18%
$271,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 7%
$1,122/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 34%
197,642
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.28%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $13,602/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Elgin — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Elgin?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Elgin?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $13,602/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Illinois?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Elgin

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 Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont