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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Sioux Falls is 77% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$993/mo ↓ 68%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 209%
$74,714/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 143%
$271,400 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 569%
$1,122/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 169%
197,642
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,072/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $24,864/year.

Median household income is $107,148/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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 Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $2,072/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $107,148/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Sunnyvale details →

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