Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sioux Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sioux Falls, you need to earn at least $46,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $71,785, which means the typical resident is $25,265 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 193,401

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$814	$2,713	$32,560	$-39,225
1 Bedroom	$965	$3,217	$38,600	$-33,185
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,163	$3,877	$46,520	$-25,265
3 Bedroom	$1,419	$4,730	$56,760	$-15,025
4 Bedroom	$1,745	$5,817	$69,800	$-1,985

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Sioux Falls's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$71,785

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$46,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$25,265

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Sioux Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Sioux Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,795

Studio

$814/mo

1 BR

$965/mo

2 BR

$1,163/mo

3 BR

$1,419/mo

4 BR

$1,745/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Sioux Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Sioux Falls's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $71,785 significantly exceeds the $46,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $25,265 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Sioux Falls, a studio at $814/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,419/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $56,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $69,780 would position you well — though many residents in Sioux Falls manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

With a total population of 193,401, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 108,968 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $46,520 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

108,968

Active civilian employees in Sioux Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Sioux Falls

What salary do I need to live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sioux Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $46,520. The median household income in Sioux Falls is $71,785.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Sioux Falls on $71,785?

The affordability verdict for Sioux Falls is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.4%, meaning median earners have a $25,265 surplus.

What is the average rent in Sioux Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Sioux Falls is $965/month. With a median household income of $71,785, residents spend approximately 19.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Sioux Falls?

A studio in Sioux Falls rents for approximately $814/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,560 to afford this.

Is Sioux Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $25,265 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Sioux Falls is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $46,520 to the local median household income.

How Sioux Falls Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements