What salary do I need in Sioux Falls, SD to live like I do in Des Moines, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Des Moines, IA, you'd need approximately $148,084.352 in Sioux Falls, SD to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Des Moines, IA and Sioux Falls, SD?

Housing in Sioux Falls, SD is 11.8% cheaper than in Des Moines, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $913/month in Sioux Falls, SD compared to $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD?

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD could save you approximately $160 per month, or $1916 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Sioux Falls, SD cheaper than Des Moines, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Sioux Falls, SD is 2.1% cheaper than Des Moines, IA. This translates to saving $160 per month.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Des Moines, IA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $160/month moving to Sioux Falls, SD

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Sioux Falls, SD

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$160

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$228K

Sioux Falls, SD

Population:206K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$280K

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

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: Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD

Category	Des Moines, IA	Sioux Falls, SD	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,079/mo	$1,834/mo	↓ $245less	11.8%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,203/mo	↓ $39.83less	3.2%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,572/mo	↓ $35.29less	2.2%
Groceries	$909/mo	$934/mo	↑ $24.64more	2.7%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$671/mo	↓ $11.01less	1.6%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$462/mo	↓ $7.59less	1.6%

Housing

↓ 11.8%

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,834

Difference

$245

less

Transportation

↓ 3.2%

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,203

Difference

$39.83

less

Other

↓ 2.2%

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,572

Difference

$35.29

less

Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Des Moines, IA

$909

Sioux Falls, SD

$934

Difference

$24.64

Healthcare

↓ 1.6%

Des Moines, IA

$682

Sioux Falls, SD

$671

Difference

$11.01

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.6%

Des Moines, IA

$470

Sioux Falls, SD

$462

Difference

$7.59

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,020

To$683

↓ $337

1 Bed

From$1,060

To$782

↓ $278

2 Bed

From$1,260

To$913

↓ $347

3 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,251

↓ $469

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/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.

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$6,676

Monthly in Sioux Falls, SD

$314

Difference

Home Values

Des Moines

Sioux Falls

$228K

Median Value

$280K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.5%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.6%

$157K - $344K

Price Range

$216K - $323K

Homes in Sioux Falls are 22% more expensive than Des Moines

Calculate payment - Des Moines Calculate payment - Sioux Falls

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$892

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

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

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

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.

Environment

Des Moines

Sioux Falls

45 Good

Air Quality

45 Good

67.5%

Good Air Days

63.7%

92 Moderate

Climate Risk

96 High

🌡☀🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.4°F

25 days

Heat Days >95°F

35 days

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.4°F

25 days

Heat Days >95°F

35 days

What to Consider When Moving from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD

Relocating from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 2% lower in Sioux Falls, SD, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Sioux Falls, SD is 12% cheaper than in Des Moines, IA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Sioux Falls, SD pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Sioux Falls, SD to match your current standard of living in Des Moines, IA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Sioux Falls, SD for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD

Is Sioux Falls, SD cheaper than Des Moines, IA?

Yes, Sioux Falls, SD is about 2.1% cheaper than Des Moines, IA. You could save approximately $160/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 12% lower in Sioux Falls, SD.

What salary do I need in Sioux Falls, SD to match my lifestyle in Des Moines, IA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Des Moines, IA, you would need approximately $148,084 in Sioux Falls, SD to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Des Moines, IA and Sioux Falls, SD?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $913/month in Sioux Falls, SD. One-bedroom apartments are $1,060/month in Des Moines, IA vs $782/month in Sioux Falls, SD. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Des Moines, IA or Sioux Falls, SD?

Groceries are about 3% more expensive in Sioux Falls, SD than in Des Moines, IA, which adds roughly $24.64/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and South Dakota on TaxTakeHome.com