What salary do I need in Sioux Falls, SD to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $147,116.392 in Sioux Falls, SD to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Sioux Falls, SD?

Housing in Sioux Falls, SD is 12.9% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $913/month in Sioux Falls, SD compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

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

Moving from Lincoln, NE to Sioux Falls, SD could save you approximately $240 per month, or $2884 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Sioux Falls, SD: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Sioux Falls, SD cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Sioux Falls, SD is 3.2% cheaper than Lincoln, NE. This translates to saving $240 per month.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $240/month moving to Sioux Falls, SD

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.1K in Sioux Falls, SD

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$240

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.9K

Per year

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

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Sioux Falls, SD

Population:206K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$280K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 295K 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: Lincoln, NE vs Sioux Falls, SD

Category	Lincoln, NE	Sioux Falls, SD	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,105/mo	$1,834/mo	↓ $271less	12.9%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,203/mo	↓ $39.83less	3.2%
Groceries	$949/mo	$934/mo	↓ $15.33less	1.6%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$671/mo	↓ $11.01less	1.6%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$462/mo	↓ $7.59less	1.6%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,572/mo	↓ $1.81less	0.1%

Housing

↓ 12.9%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,834

Difference

$271

less

Transportation

↓ 3.2%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,203

Difference

$39.83

less

Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Sioux Falls, SD

$934

Difference

$15.33

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.6%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Sioux Falls, SD

$671

Difference

$11.01

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.6%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Sioux Falls, SD

$462

Difference

$7.59

less

Other

↓ 0.1%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,572

Difference

$1.81

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$683

↓ $237

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$782

↓ $218

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$913

↓ $317

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$1,251

↓ $454

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/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.

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$6,676

Monthly in Sioux Falls, SD

$347

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Sioux Falls

$274K

Median Value

$280K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↑ +0.5%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.6%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$216K - $323K

Homes in Sioux Falls are 2% more expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Sioux Falls

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$778

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.2%

Rate difference

Lincoln, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

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

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

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

Lincoln

Sioux Falls

41 Good

Air Quality

45 Good

83.7%

Good Air Days

63.7%

91 Moderate

Climate Risk

96 High

🌪💨

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.4°F

38 days

Heat Days >95°F

35 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.4°F

38 days

Heat Days >95°F

35 days

What to Consider When Moving from Lincoln, NE to Sioux Falls, SD

Relocating from Lincoln, NE to Sioux Falls, SD involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 3% 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 13% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. 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 Lincoln, NE.

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: Lincoln, NE vs Sioux Falls, SD

Is Sioux Falls, SD cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Yes, Sioux Falls, SD is about 3.2% cheaper than Lincoln, NE. You could save approximately $240/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 13% lower in Sioux Falls, SD.

What salary do I need in Sioux Falls, SD to match my lifestyle in Lincoln, NE?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you would need approximately $147,116 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 Lincoln, NE and Sioux Falls, SD?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE compared to $913/month in Sioux Falls, SD. One-bedroom apartments are $1,000/month in Lincoln, NE 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 Lincoln, NE or Sioux Falls, SD?

Groceries are about 2% cheaper in Sioux Falls, SD than in Lincoln, NE, saving a typical household roughly $15.33/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Lincoln, NE 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 Nebraska and South Dakota on TaxTakeHome.com