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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Sioux Falls is 37% cheaper than Lancaster.

$993/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 71%
$74,714/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 2%
$271,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 51%
$1,122/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 56%
197,642
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $1,369/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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 Lancaster — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Lancaster?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Lancaster?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $1,369/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Lancaster details →

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