Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 42% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $43,594 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $535,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Sioux Falls scores 97.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
Amazon affiliate links