Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 13% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $65,187 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) match Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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