Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Sioux Falls is 7% more expensive than Fargo.

$993/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 8%
$74,714/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 12%
$271,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$269,800 ≈ Same
$1,122/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 11%
197,642
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $8,685/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Fargo — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Fargo?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Fargo?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $8,685/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and North Dakota?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Fargo

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 Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres