Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Des Moines is 4% more affordable than Sioux Falls. A $75,000 salary in Sioux Falls is equivalent to $71,774 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
Amazon affiliate links