Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 15% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $63,409 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Providence scores 105 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Sioux Falls (101).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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