Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Sioux Falls is 14% cheaper than North Charleston.

$993/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 37%
$74,714/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 16%
$271,400 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 1%
$1,122/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 17%
197,642
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $11,925/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and North Charleston?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or North Charleston?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,925/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and South Carolina?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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