Is Sioux Falls, SD cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Sioux Falls, SD is 16.1% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1208 per month.

What salary do I need in Sioux Falls, SD to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $135,500.873 in Sioux Falls, SD to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Sioux Falls, SD?

Housing in Sioux Falls, SD is 33.4% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $913/month in Sioux Falls, SD compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

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

Moving from Madison, WI to Sioux Falls, SD could save you approximately $1208 per month, or $14499 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Sioux Falls, SD

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.5K in Sioux Falls, SD

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,208

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.5K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Sioux Falls, SD

Population:206K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$280K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K 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: Madison, WI vs Sioux Falls, SD

Category	Madison, WI	Sioux Falls, SD	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,755/mo	$1,834/mo	↓ $921less	33.4%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,572/mo	↓ $219less	12.3%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,203/mo	↓ $204less	14.5%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$671/mo	↓ $48.18less	6.7%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$462/mo	↓ $45.84less	9.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$934/mo	↓ $25.32less	2.6%

Housing

↓ 33.4%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,834

Difference

$921

less

Other

↓ 12.3%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,572

Difference

$219

less

Transportation

↓ 14.5%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Sioux Falls, SD

$1,203

Difference

$204

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.7%

Madison, WI

$719

Sioux Falls, SD

$671

Difference

$48.18

less

All Utilities

↓ 9.0%

Madison, WI

$508

Sioux Falls, SD

$462

Difference

$45.84

less

Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Madison, WI

$959

Sioux Falls, SD

$934

Difference

$25.32

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$683

↓ $687

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$782

↓ $823

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$913

↓ $922

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,251

↓ $1,174

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$6,676

Monthly in Sioux Falls, SD

$1,463

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Sioux Falls

$427K

Median Value

$280K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +0.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.6%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$216K - $323K

Homes in Sioux Falls are 35% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Sioux Falls

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$737

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.