Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Sioux Falls is 40% cheaper than Meridian.

$993/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 73%
$74,714/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 32%
$271,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 79%
$1,122/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 43%
197,642
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $23,972/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Meridian — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Meridian?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Meridian?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $23,972/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Idaho?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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