Home / Compare / Ralston vs South Sioux City

Ralston, NE vs South Sioux City, NE

86
Ralston
Nebraska
VS
+11.5%
77
South Sioux City
Nebraska

South Sioux City is moderately more affordable than Ralston, with a 11.5% lower cost of living index. Ralston scores 86 compared to 77 for South Sioux City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ralston can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Ralston is $1,178/month compared to $1,083/month in South Sioux City — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Sioux City is more affordable at $160,900 median vs $215,800.

Median household income in Ralston is $65,557 compared to $68,397 in South Sioux City (-4.2%). South Sioux City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ralston spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, more than the 19% in South Sioux City.

Climate-wise, Ralston is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 48.4°F in South Sioux City. Ralston receives more rainfall at 31.9" per year compared to 29.3" in South Sioux City.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Ralston
86
South Sioux City
77
10% cheaper
Median Household Income
Ralston
$65,557
South Sioux City
$68,397
4% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Ralston
$1,178
South Sioux City
$1,083
8% cheaper
Median Home Value
Ralston
$215,800
South Sioux City
$160,900
25% cheaper
Population
Ralston
6,445
South Sioux City
13,871

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Ralston $2.96
South Sioux City $2.97
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Ralston $2.41
South Sioux City $2.42
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Ralston $3.89
South Sioux City $3.89
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Ralston $1.79
South Sioux City $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Ralston $4.00
South Sioux City $4.01
US $4.14
Electricity
Ralston $0.15
South Sioux City $0.16
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Ralston 52.4°F
South Sioux City 48.4°F
Summer High
Ralston 88°F
South Sioux City 85°F
Winter Low
Ralston 15°F
South Sioux City 10°F
Rainfall
Ralston 31.9"
South Sioux City 29.3"
Rainy Days
Ralston 103d
South Sioux City 102d