Cost of Living in North Sioux City, SD

With a cost of living index of 83, North Sioux City, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 9% above the South Dakota state average of 74. North Sioux City is a small community of 3,018 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in North Sioux City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,092 (17% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $234,500 (23% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in North Sioux City is $76,481, which is 2% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to North Sioux City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.4°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches spread over roughly 102 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.