Is Sioux Falls, SD cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Sioux Falls, SD is 18.5% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1389 per month.

What salary do I need in Sioux Falls, SD to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $133,335.723 in Sioux Falls, SD to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Sioux Falls, SD?

Housing in Sioux Falls, SD is 40.2% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $913/month in Sioux Falls, SD compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD?

Moving from Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD could save you approximately $1389 per month, or $16664 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chicago, IL vs Sioux Falls, SD: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Sioux Falls, SD

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.3K in Sioux Falls, SD

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,389

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$305K

Sioux Falls, SD

Population:206K

Cost Index:

(19% below avg)

Median Home:$280K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Sioux Falls, SD

The Mount Rushmore State

206K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in South Dakota, this city has a population of 206K residents.

💡 Advantage: South Dakota has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Sioux Falls, SD

Category	Chicago, IL	Sioux Falls, SD	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,834/mo	↓ $1,233less	40.2%
Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,203/mo	↓ $477less	28.4%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,572/mo	↓ $186less	10.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$934/mo	↓ $95.27less	9.3%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$671/mo	↑ $75.73more	12.7%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$462/mo	↓ $56.77less	10.9%

Housing

↓ 40.2%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,834

Difference

$1,233

less

Transportation

↓ 28.4%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,203

Difference

$477

less

Other

↓ 10.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,572

Difference

$186

less

Groceries

↓ 9.3%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Sioux Falls, SD

$934

Difference

$95.27

less

Healthcare

↑ 12.7%

Chicago, IL

$595

Sioux Falls, SD

$671

Difference

$75.73

All Utilities

↓ 10.9%

Chicago, IL

$519

Sioux Falls, SD

$462

Difference

$56.77

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$683

↓ $917

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$782

↓ $928

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$913

↓ $1,012

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,251

↓ $1,229

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Sioux Falls, SDZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,060/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$6,676

Monthly in Sioux Falls, SD

$1,972

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Sioux Falls

$305K

Median Value

$280K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +0.5%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.6%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$216K - $323K

Homes in Sioux Falls are 8% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Sioux Falls

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Sioux Falls, SD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Dakota State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Sioux Falls, SD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.4%

Property Tax:1.3%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.