Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Sioux Falls is 22% cheaper than Wilmington.

$993/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 32%
$74,714/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 14%
$271,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 29%
$1,122/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 22%
197,642
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $10,814/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Wilmington?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Wilmington?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $10,814/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and North Carolina?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Wilmington details →

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