Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Stockton is 47% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,495/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 34%
$76,851/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 3%
$412,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 34%
$1,555/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 28%
320,470
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $2,137/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Stockton or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $2,137/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and South Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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.
View Stockton details → View Sioux Falls details →

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