Can I Afford to Live in Provo vs Sioux Falls on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Provo, UT
$2,572/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (54% of take-home)
Difficult
Sioux Falls, SD
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (46% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Provo
UT
Sioux Falls
SD
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,572
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,400
$1,250Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$372
$365Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$62
$42Best ✓
Utilities
$148Best ✓
$155
Internet
$63
$60Best ✓
Left after essentials
$527/month
$856/month
Sioux Falls (South Dakota) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Provo (UT rate: 4.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Provo?

At $40K/year in Provo, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,572. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 54% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Sioux Falls?

At $40K/year in Sioux Falls, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 46% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Sioux Falls leaves you with more money after core expenses — $856/month vs $527/month in Provo.

Can I afford to live alone in Provo on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Provo would take 54% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Provo vs Sioux Falls

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only