Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Sioux Falls is 38% cheaper than Surprise.

$993/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 93%
$74,714/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 25%
$271,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 46%
$1,122/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 41%
197,642
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $924/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $11,088/year.

Median household income is $18,657/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Surprise — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Surprise?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $924/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Surprise?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $18,657/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Arizona?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sioux Falls and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite