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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Sioux Falls is 55% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$993/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 110%
$74,714/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 30%
$271,400 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 152%
$1,122/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 90%
197,642
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,091/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $13,092/year.

Median household income is $22,696/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,091/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $22,696/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Santa Rosa

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