Question 1

Is Chicago or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls, SD is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $790/month less than in Chicago, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $1,156/mo in Sioux Falls.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Sioux Falls?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $60,000/year in Sioux Falls, SD — a difference of about $21,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or Sioux Falls cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,545/month in Chicago and $8,617/month in Sioux Falls, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or Sioux Falls?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Sioux Falls costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Chicago61	Sioux Falls69
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$3,503
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$8,617
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$60,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$1,156
Median home value	$315,200	$271,400
Median household income	$75,134	$74,714
Unemployment	5.9%	2.0%
Housing score	52	84
Jobs score	7	79
Safety score	66	53
Climate score	89	64
Amenities score	73	20
Population	2.7M	197.6K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	84° / 7°

Chicago, IL vs Sioux Falls, SD