Cost of Living in Sioux City, IA 2026

0% | Higher Than National Avg.
101% | Lower Than State Avg.
Sioux City's 2026 cost of living is $2478 per month for singles and $5456 per month for families of four. Living costs in Sioux City are 0% higher than the U.S. national average and 101% lower than Iowa's state average. This reflects a 1% increase from 2025. The primary drivers of Sioux City's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices. See how Sioux City's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.

Cost of Living Calculator


How does Sioux City's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?

Living in Sioux City is more expensive than the national average, with housing costs 45.6 % lower at $653 per month for a single person and $1198 per month for a family of four. Food expenses run 3.5 % above average at $414 monthly for an individual and $1346 for a family, while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 8.6 % lower at about $800 per month for one person and $1773 for a household. These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $1867 for a single person and $4317 for a family of four, making Sioux City one of America's most expensive cities.
Expense Category Average Monthly Expense Single Person Average Monthly Expense Family of Four Sioux City compare to: U.S. Average
Housing
Housing
653 1198
-45.6%
Food
Food
414 1346
3.5%
Energy
Energy
152 260
-13.3%
Transportation
Transportation
394 837
-1.5%
Healthcare
Healthcare
254 676
-15.4%

How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Sioux City?

Sioux City's 2025 cost of living is 89% lower than San Francisco, 43% less than Washington, 17% below Miami , 12% lower than Chicago, 53% less than Boston , and 75% below New York. Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Sioux City.
Move From Move To Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco, CA Sioux City
-89.0%
Washington, DC Sioux City
-43.0%
Miami, FL Sioux City
-17.0%
Chicago, IL Sioux City
-12.0%
Boston, MA Sioux City
-53.0%
New York, NY Sioux City
-75.0%
Dallas, TX Sioux City
-7.0%

About Sioux City, IA

Sioux City (/suː/) is a city in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 82,684 in the 2010 census, which makes it the fourth largest city in Iowa. The bulk of the city is in Woodbury County, of which it is the county seat, though a small portion is in Plymouth County. Sioux City is located at the navigational head of the Missouri River. The city is home to several cultural points of interest including the Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City Art Center and Sergeant Floyd Monument, which is a National Historic Landmark. The city is ...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the cost of living in Sioux City, IA

Will the cost of food in Sioux City, Iowa impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Metro to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Sioux City, IA. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

I love to go to sports events, what does Sioux City, Iowa have to offer?

Sioux City, IA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

How much is the average price of internet in Sioux City, IA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Sioux City, IA. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

Are there any tips that will help make the move to Sioux City, Iowa easier for my child?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

Electricity bills are a big part of my current cost of living and can be really high, what is the cost of electricity in Sioux City, Iowa?

Electric costs in Sioux City,IA are currently higher than average when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Iowa has gone down about 0.79%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

What kind of child care is available in Sioux City, Iowa and what is the cost?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Sioux City child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $9485 per year. Iowa is ranked NO. 25 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

What are rents like in Sioux City,IA?

I am single and live in Sioux City,IA, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $693 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Sioux City,IA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

Are there fun things to in Sioux City, Iowa that are free or don’t cost a lot?

Looks for areas of Sioux City, Iowa where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Sioux City, IA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )


Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )
The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2025-12-24 salary.com )

See how much you can get when it is an hourly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.

See how much you can get when it is a yearly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Last Update: 2025-12-24