Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 27% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $54,492 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sacramento scores 104 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are higher than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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