A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index South Sioux City Nebraska National
Cost of living8991100
Groceries9697100
Health care9898100
Housing7576100
Transportation9899100
Utilities9196100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9297100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare9696100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in South Sioux City, NE

Getting a feel for the cost of living in South Sioux City is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in South Sioux City is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Is South Sioux City Affordable?

Is South Sioux City an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in South Sioux City, the median home price is 30.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 14.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in South Sioux City come in at $84,449, which is 3.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in South Sioux City?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In South Sioux City, the housing index is 25.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In South Sioux City, healthcare costs are 1.6% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In South Sioux City, the groceries index is 3.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The South Sioux City cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in South Sioux City is 2% lower than the Nebraska average
  • The cost of living in South Sioux City is 11% lower than the national average
  • South Sioux City housing is 25% lower than the national average
  • Nebraska general sales tax is 8% higher than the national average
  • Nebraska state income tax is 5% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around South Sioux City

See all the best places to live around South Sioux City

Compare South Sioux City, NE Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$108,842$9,070$2,539$3,266
      Renters$47,912$3,993$1,118$1,438
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in South Sioux City, NE, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In South Sioux City, homeowners have a median income of $108,842. Using that number, a maximum of $2,539 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $47,912, which means there is a maximum of $1,118 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Nebraska Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Nebraska 5.5% 7.5%

      Nebraska Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Nebraska 2.46% 6.64%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ponca, NE9788416.5%
      Salix, IA4988416.2%
      Homer, NE4238614.3%
      Jefferson, SD6928812.4%
      Dakota City, NE2,2978910.9%
      South Sioux City, NE13,1878910.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fulton, MO13,1858911.2%
      Lachute, QC13,184n/a 
      Panama City Beach, FL13,19011616.0%
      Tiny, ON13,182n/a 
      Harrison, OH13,180946.0%
      South Sioux City, NE13,1878910.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.