San Antonio, TX vs Sioux Falls, SD

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Sioux Falls, SD spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 19% higher in Sioux Falls, SD. Home prices in Sioux Falls, SD run 24% higher. Sioux Falls, SD has the lower unemployment rate.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$74,714
Income in Sioux Falls
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$993
Rent in Sioux Falls

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Sioux Falls, SD
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$74,714
19% higher
Median Home Value
$219,700
$271,400
24% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$993
21% less
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,122
9% less
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
2.3%
60% less
Population
1,458,954
197,642

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Sioux Falls, SD, the figure is 15.9% , making Sioux Falls, SD the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Sioux Falls, SD, it's 3.6x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,122 in Sioux Falls. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Sioux Falls, SD it is $74,714. That's a $11,797 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 2.3% in Sioux Falls. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 57.8% in Sioux Falls.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Sioux Falls, SD has 197,642 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov