Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 11% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $67,067 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Dakota salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sioux Falls has a housing index of 80 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Sioux Falls costs $265,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Sioux Falls versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sioux Falls scores 97 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sioux Falls (101) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sioux Falls is $61,714 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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