Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Washington is 119% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,900/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 48%
$106,287/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 30%
$724,600 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 63%
$2,103/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 47%
672,079
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $31,573/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $31,573/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and South Dakota?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

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