Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 13% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $65,187 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Utah salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Salt Lake City has a housing index of 120 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Salt Lake City costs $440,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Salt Lake City versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Salt Lake City scores 99 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Salt Lake City (97) are lower than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $60,590 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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