Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Sioux Falls and Lafayette have a similar cost of living.

$993/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 7%
$74,714/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 18%
$271,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 7%
$1,122/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 6%
197,642
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $13,260/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Lafayette?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Lafayette?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $13,260/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Louisiana?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Lafayette

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 Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield