Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Sioux Falls is 4% cheaper than Gainesville.

$993/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 22%
$74,714/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 39%
$271,400 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 13%
$1,122/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 4%
197,642
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $29,103/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Gainesville?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Gainesville?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $29,103/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Florida?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Gainesville

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