Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

St. Louis is 15% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$978/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↑ 2%
$55,279/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 35%
$185,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 47%
$1,013/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 11%
293,109
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,435/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is St. Louis or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $19,435/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and South Dakota?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with rent of $993/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Sioux Falls

St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage 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