Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Sioux Falls is 16% cheaper than Rochester.

$993/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 33%
$74,714/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 17%
$271,400 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 6%
$1,122/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 19%
197,642
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.28%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $13,053/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Rochester — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Rochester?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Rochester?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $13,053/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Minnesota?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Rochester details →

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