63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Sioux Falls wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Sioux Falls wins 0–4 overall (74/100)
💰 Sioux Falls is more affordable
💼 Sioux Falls has lower unemployment
🛡️ Sioux Falls has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Sioux Falls — The Verdict
Sioux Falls scores 74.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Sioux Falls has a clear edge with home prices 18% lower. Sioux Falls has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 2.2%. Sioux Falls may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Sioux Falls are 18% lower — a difference of $54,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Sioux Falls saves you $349/month — that's $4,188 per year.
📊
Sioux Falls has a 2.4 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$250,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$965
Median Income
$71,673
$71,785
Sioux Falls edges out Chicago on housing costs by 18%, a difference of $54,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
2.2%
Sioux Falls has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2.4 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
9
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Sioux Falls: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Sioux Falls is more affordable overall. Home prices are $54,500 lower in Sioux Falls. Monthly rent is $965 in Sioux Falls vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Sioux Falls have better weather?
Sioux Falls scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Sioux Falls better for finding a job?
Sioux Falls currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 2.2% in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $71,785 in Sioux Falls.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Sioux Falls?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Sioux Falls is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Sioux Falls. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Sioux Falls.
Should I move from Chicago to Sioux Falls?
Based on our data, Sioux Falls scores 74.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Sioux Falls is more affordable, while Sioux Falls has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Sioux Falls?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.