Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 21% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $59,615 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Santa Fe has a housing index of 153 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Fe costs $480,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Santa Fe versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Santa Fe scores 103 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Santa Fe (95) are lower than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Santa Fe is $61,982 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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