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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Richmond

California
161

Sioux Falls is 52% cheaper than Richmond.

$993/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 91%
$74,714/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 21%
$271,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 140%
$1,122/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 80%
197,642
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $902/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $10,824/year.

Median household income is $15,324/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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 Richmond — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Richmond?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $902/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Richmond?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $15,324/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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