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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Sioux Falls is 40% cheaper than Palmdale.

$993/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 75%
$74,714/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 9%
$271,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 60%
$1,122/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 63%
197,642
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $6,437/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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 Palmdale — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Palmdale?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Palmdale?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $6,437/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Palmdale

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