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

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Sioux Falls is 35% cheaper than Tempe.

$993/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 63%
$74,714/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 4%
$271,400 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 55%
$1,122/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 39%
197,642
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $2,929/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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 Tempe — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Tempe?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Tempe?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $2,929/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Tempe details →

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