Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Jackson is 12% more affordable than Sioux Falls. A $75,000 salary in Sioux Falls is equivalent to $66,129 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Mississippi salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jackson has a housing index of 56 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Jackson costs $125,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Jackson versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jackson scores 95 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jackson (88) are lower than Sioux Falls (101).
Median household income in Jackson is $36,528 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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