South Dakota · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Sioux Falls, SD

The median household in Sioux Falls, SD earns $75,970 a year ($6,331/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,156/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $46,240 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.4% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$75,970$6,331 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,156HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.6-9.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential SD
Census Population201,469Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Sioux Falls, SD

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,156Monthly market rent
Share of gross income18.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$46,240To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,899At 30% of $75,970
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Sioux Falls, SD

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Sioux Falls, SD HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Sioux Falls, SD
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$865$10,380$34,60013.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$986$11,832$39,44015.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,156$13,872$46,24018.3%
3-Bedroom Home$1,586$19,032$63,44025.1%
4-Bedroom Home$1,939$23,268$77,56030.6%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Sioux Falls, SD →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Sioux Falls, SD

Based on the local median household income of $75,970/year ($6,331/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,165/moRent ($1,156 2-BR), utilities (~$138/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,899/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.6 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,266/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in South Dakota

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and South Dakota state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$75,970
$30,000$155,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$75,970
Net 82%
Fed 10%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$62,275After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,190Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,395Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$7,883 / yr
South Dakota state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,812 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across South Dakota with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Sioux Falls, SD

What is the median household income in Sioux Falls, SD?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Sioux Falls, SD is $75,970 per year (approximately $6,331 per month).

What is the average rent in Sioux Falls, SD?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Sioux Falls, SD are $865 for a studio, $986 for 1 bedroom, $1,156 for 2 bedrooms, $1,586 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,939 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Sioux Falls, SD is 90.6 (9.4% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Sioux Falls, SD?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,156/month) in Sioux Falls, SD requires a minimum gross household income of $46,240 per year ($3,853 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Sioux Falls, SD?

For a typical household earning the median income of $75,970/year ($6,331/month) in Sioux Falls, SD, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,165/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,899/month to discretionary spending, and $1,266/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Sioux Falls, SD?

Residential electricity rates in South Dakota average 15.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $138 per month.