Cost of Living: Scranton vs Sioux Falls (2026)
Scranton has a 6% lower overall cost of living than Sioux Falls as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in Scranton vs $1,250/mo in Sioux Falls — a 16% difference. Sioux Falls has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Scranton (3.1% rate).
- Scranton is 6% cheaper overall (COL index: 83 vs 88)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in Scranton vs $1,250/mo — 16% savings
- Sioux Falls has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Sioux Falls ($62,000/yr vs $46,000/yr)
- Median home price: $165,000 in Scranton vs $265,000 — 38% difference
| Category | Scranton Pennsylvania | Sioux Falls South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $850Best | $1,000 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,250 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,650 |
| Median home price | $165KBest | $265K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 96 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $58 | $42Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.25 | $3.10Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 | $142Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $165 | $155Best |
| Internet/mo | $62 | $60Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $46K | $62KBest |
| State income tax% | 3.1% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.0%Best | 6.4% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $35 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $5.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Best | 88 |
| Walk score / 100 | 42Best | 26 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Scranton cheaper than Sioux Falls?
Yes. Scranton is 6% cheaper than Sioux Falls based on overall cost of living indices (83 vs 88, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Scranton vs Sioux Falls?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Scranton is $1,050/month and in Sioux Falls is $1,250/month. Scranton is cheaper by 16%.
How much do I need to earn in Sioux Falls to match a $75,000 salary in Scranton?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $79,518/year in Sioux Falls to match a $75,000 salary in Scranton. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Scranton or Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 3.1%. Sioux Falls has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Scranton to Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Scranton offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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