Salary Needed to Live in Sioux Falls as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $111,966/year to live comfortably in Sioux Falls, SD, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $111,966/year to live comfortably in Sioux Falls, SD. The bare-minimum salary is $89,270/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,724.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,505/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,331/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$111,966
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$89,270
$7,439/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,505
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Sioux Falls
| Expense | Sioux Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,346 | $2,509 | -46% |
| Groceries | $529 | $528 | 0% |
| Utilities | $302 | $337 | -10% |
| Transportation | $474 | $526 | -10% |
| Car Insurance | $176 | $211 | -17% |
| Health Insurance | $534 | $630 | -15% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,104 | $1,200 | -8% |
| Internet + Phones | $166 | $180 | -8% |
| Children Activities | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Dining Out | $322 | $350 | -8% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $184 | $200 | -8% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $138 | $150 | -8% |
| Total Monthly | $5,505 | $7,071 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,505
Target savings (15%):$1,219/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,724
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$111,966
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,346
3BR Apartment/House rent is 24% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus SD state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,219/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
92/100
Sioux Falls is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,346/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,144/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $89,270/year as the survival floor and $111,966/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Sioux Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Sioux Falls?
A family with kids needs approximately $111,966/year ($9,331/month gross) to live comfortably in Sioux Falls with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Sioux Falls?
A 3br apartment/house in Sioux Falls costs approximately $1,346/month, which is the largest single expense at 24% of the total budget.
Is Sioux Falls affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Sioux Falls is 22% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.