Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Sioux Falls is 21% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $59,110 in Sioux Falls.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · South Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Sioux Falls sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $265,000 in Sioux Falls, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,100 in Sioux Falls.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Denver scores 102 while Sioux Falls scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Sioux Falls (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $61,714 in Sioux Falls. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sioux Falls.
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