Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 12% more affordable than Boise. A $75,000 salary in Boise is equivalent to $65,802 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
Amazon affiliate links