Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 8% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $69,059 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Sioux Falls (101).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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