Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Sioux Falls is 5% more expensive than Knoxville.

$993/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 12%
$74,714/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 32%
$271,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 21%
$1,122/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 4%
197,642
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $23,720/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Knoxville?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Knoxville?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $23,720/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Tennessee?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Knoxville details →

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