Sioux Falls vs Des Moines: Cost of Living Comparison
Sioux Falls and Des Moines are Great Plains cities that consistently rank among the best places to live for families and young professionals. Sioux Falls benefits from South Dakota's lack of state income tax, a strong healthcare sector led by Sanford Health, and a growing financial services industry. Des Moines is Iowa's capital with a larger metro area, a deep insurance and fintech sector, and more cultural amenities. Both cities offer housing well below the national average and low unemployment, making the choice between them often a matter of tax preferences and city size.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Sioux Falls | Des Moines | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 88 | 98 | Sioux Falls |
| Housing | 79 | 87 | Sioux Falls |
| Groceries | 97 | 99 | Sioux Falls |
| Transportation | 96 | 100 | Sioux Falls |
| Utilities | 88 | 99 | Sioux Falls |
Index values are estimates for general comparison purposes relative to a national average of 100. Lower is cheaper. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Sioux Falls vs Des Moines
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Sioux Falls are worth in Des Moines - and vice versa.
| Salary in Sioux Falls | Equivalent in Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,682 | +$5,682 |
| $75,000 | $83,523 | +$8,523 |
| $100,000 | $111,364 | +$11,364 |
| $150,000 | $167,045 | +$17,045 |
Des Moines is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Sioux Falls wins): Housing is 10% cheaper in Sioux Falls than Des Moines. Des Moines has a housing index of 87 vs 79. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Sioux Falls wins): Grocery costs in Sioux Falls (index 97) are lower than Des Moines (index 99). Both cities are at or below the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Sioux Falls wins): Transportation costs index 96 in Sioux Falls vs 100 in Des Moines. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Sioux Falls wins): Utilities cost less in Sioux Falls (index 88) than Des Moines (index 99). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role - cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
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FAQ - Sioux Falls vs Des Moines Cost of Living
Is Sioux Falls or Des Moines more expensive to live in?
Des Moines is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 98 compared to 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Des Moines costs 8 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Des Moines vs Sioux Falls?
Housing in Des Moines has an index of 87 compared to 79 in Sioux Falls. That's 10% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Sioux Falls worth in Des Moines?
A $100,000 salary in Sioux Falls is equivalent to approximately $111,364 in Des Moines. This means you would need to earn more in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Sioux Falls or Des Moines?
Groceries are cheaper in Sioux Falls, with an index of 97 compared to 99 in Des Moines. The national average is 100, so both cities are below the national average.
Should I move from Sioux Falls to Des Moines to save money?
Des Moines is actually more expensive than Sioux Falls overall, with an index 10 points higher. However, consider your specific situation - salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.