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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Sioux Falls is 43% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$993/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 85%
$74,714/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 13%
$271,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 76%
$1,122/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 59%
197,642
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $849/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $10,188/year.

Median household income is $9,903/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Maria — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $849/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $9,903/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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