Cost of Living in North Sioux City, SD

Population 3,018 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023

79
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North Sioux City is a smaller South Dakota community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $76,481 and housing costs ($235,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

North Sioux City is about 70 miles south of Sioux Falls, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 77
Rent 83

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

About the Cost of Living in North Sioux City

The median home value in North Sioux City is $234,500 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,092/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,481/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. South Dakota charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 37.4°F, with about 36" of annual snowfall. Overall, North Sioux City has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$234,500
23% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$359,044
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,092/mo
17% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$598
1 BR
$702
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,213
4 BR
$1,391
Owner-occupied 49.0%
Renter-occupied 51.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,092
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,706/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
17.5 min
35% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
90.7%
Carpooled
6.8%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
1.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 6.1%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$76,481
3% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,673
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
18% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
Labor Force Participation
67.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.8%
Graduate degree 13.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.8
Male median age 36.5
Female median age 32.2

🌤 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

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,381
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Sioux City, SD?

North Sioux City has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.

What is average rent in North Sioux City, SD?

The median gross rent in North Sioux City is $1,092 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Sioux City?

The median home value in North Sioux City is $234,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in North Sioux City?

The median household income in North Sioux City is $76,481 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Sioux City, SD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Sioux City is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.

Is North Sioux City, SD affordable?

Yes, North Sioux City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in North Sioux City?

North 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.

North Sioux City at a Glance

Population
3,018
Median Income
$76,481
Home Value
$234,500
Median Rent
$1,092/mo
Unemployment
5.7%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.1%
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