Cost of Living in South Sioux City, NE

Population 13,871 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023

65
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in South Sioux City can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $161,000 against $68,397 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.

South Sioux City lies roughly 75 miles south of the nearest major metro, Sioux Falls — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 82

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in South Sioux City

The median home value in South Sioux City is $160,900 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,083/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,397/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Nebraska's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 37.4°F, with about 36" of annual snowfall. Overall, South Sioux City has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$160,900
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$223,239
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,083/mo
18% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$622
1 BR
$703
2 BR
$907
3 BR
$1,155
4 BR
$1,220
Owner-occupied 55.9%
Renter-occupied 44.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,083
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,697/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
14.4 min
47% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.0%
Carpooled
13.7%
Public transit
1.2%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
7.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 5.5%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$68,397
8% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,273
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
14% below avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Labor Force Participation
72.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.6%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.9
Male median age 32
Female median age 30.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
37.4°F
Annual Precip
29.3"
Annual Snowfall
36"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303448617282858377634733
Low °F 101526374959636151382515
Precip" 0.690.861.763.153.874.353.353.942.842.201.270.99
Snow" 7.78.75.72.30.00.00.00.00.00.83.27.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Sioux City, NE?

South Sioux City has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.

What is average rent in South Sioux City, NE?

The median gross rent in South Sioux City is $1,083 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Sioux City?

The median home value in South Sioux City is $160,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in South Sioux City?

The median household income in South Sioux City is $68,397 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Sioux City, NE?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Sioux City is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is South Sioux City, NE affordable?

Yes, South Sioux City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in South Sioux City?

South Sioux City has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 37.4°F. Annual precipitation is 29.3". Average annual snowfall is 36". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

South Sioux City at a Glance

Population
13,871
Median Income
$68,397
Home Value
$160,900
Median Rent
$1,083/mo
Unemployment
4.1%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.9%
View all cities in Nebraska →
🗺️ County data for Nebraska

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs