Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 44% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $42,018 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. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $585,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Sioux Falls scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
Amazon affiliate links