Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD: Cost of Living Comparison
Des Moines has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | Sioux Falls | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 88 | Des Moines |
| Housing | 53 ($738) | 78 ($695) | Des Moines |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 97 ($3.50) | Sioux Falls |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 100 ($410) | Des Moines |
| Utilities | 77 ($95) | 89 ($140) | Des Moines |
| Healthcare | 77 ($69) | 89 ($101) | Des Moines |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 97 ($47,080) | Sioux Falls |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines, IA or Sioux Falls, SD cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is cheaper overall by about 13 index points (Des Moines, IA: 75, Sioux Falls, SD: 88; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA and $30,800/year in Sioux Falls, SD to cover basic living costs.