Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Sioux Falls is 37% more expensive than Rockford.

$993/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 4%
$74,714/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 29%
$271,400 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 55%
$1,122/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 16%
197,642
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.28%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,386/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Rockford — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Rockford?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Rockford?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $21,386/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Illinois?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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