Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Salem, OR (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Sioux Falls is 26% cheaper than Salem.

$993/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 33%
$74,714/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 4%
$271,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 41%
$1,122/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 28%
197,642
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $2,814/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Salem — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Salem?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Salem?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $2,814/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Oregon?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Salem details →

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