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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Sioux Falls is 75% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$993/mo ↓ 67%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 201%
$74,714/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 132%
$271,400 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 463%
$1,122/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 172%
197,642
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,992/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $23,904/year.

Median household income is $98,956/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,992/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $98,956/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Santa Clara

Sioux Falls vs. Grand Rapids Sioux Falls vs. Overland Park Sioux Falls vs. Montgomery Sioux Falls vs. Huntington Beach Sioux Falls vs. Grand Prairie Sioux Falls vs. Peoria Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville