Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Sioux Falls is 7% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$993/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 1%
$74,714/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 35%
$271,400 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 13%
$1,122/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 7%
197,642
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $26,178/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $26,178/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Alabama?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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