Question 1

Is Milwaukee or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls, SD is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $217/month less than in Milwaukee, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,338/mo in Milwaukee versus $1,156/mo in Sioux Falls.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Milwaukee vs Sioux Falls?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $67,500/year before tax in Milwaukee, WI and $60,000/year in Sioux Falls, SD — a difference of about $7,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Milwaukee 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 $9,373/month in Milwaukee and $8,617/month in Sioux Falls, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Milwaukee 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	Milwaukee64	Sioux Falls69
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,720	$3,503
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,373	$8,617
Salary for comfort	$67,500/yr	$60,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,338	$1,156
Median home value	$172,000	$271,400
Median household income	$51,888	$74,714
Unemployment	4.8%	2.0%
Housing score	60	84
Jobs score	52	79
Safety score	41	53
Climate score	70	64
Amenities score	65	20
Population	569.8K	197.6K
Summer high / winter low	80° / 16°	84° / 7°

Milwaukee, WI vs Sioux Falls, SD