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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Sioux Falls is 53% cheaper than Fairfield.

$993/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 121%
$74,714/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 37%
$271,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 118%
$1,122/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 98%
197,642
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,198/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $14,376/year.

Median household income is $27,607/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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 Fairfield — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Fairfield?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,198/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Fairfield?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $27,607/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Fairfield

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