Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Sioux Falls is 10% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$993/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 28%
$74,714/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 5%
$271,400 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 4%
$1,122/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 11%
197,642
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $3,715/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,715/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Michigan?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Sterling Heights details →

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