Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
48% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 48% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $39,185 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $785,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Irvine scores 108 while Sioux Falls scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are higher than Sioux Falls (101).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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