salarySioux City is the 4th-largest city in Iowa that we track, with 86,101 residents. Rent is lower than in 64% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 17.5 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $55,200 a year. That is $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Iowa cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Iowa. It is number 67 of 86 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Sioux City?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Sioux City
| Size | Sioux City | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $836 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $909 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,106 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,273 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,481 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Sioux City overall?
Everyday prices in the Sioux City metro area are 14% below the U.S. average (index 86.5, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Sioux City
Life in Sioux City
What jobs pay in Sioux City
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $139,600 | 11.9% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,970 | 12.6% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,060 | 12.8% |
| Lawyer | $120,790 | 13.7% |
| Software Developer | $101,150 | 16.4% |
| Operations Manager | $90,230 | 18.4% |
| Civil Engineer | $88,460 | 18.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,920 | 19.7% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $82,250 | 20.1% |
| Police Officer | $78,940 | 21.0% |
| Accountant | $78,650 | 21.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $75,840 | 21.8% |
| Electrician | $73,910 | 22.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,270 | 26.6% |
| Plumber | $60,890 | 27.2% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,440 | 27.4% |
| Firefighter | $60,030 | 27.6% |
| HVAC Technician | $59,840 | 27.7% |
| Market Research Analyst | $56,230 | 29.5% |
| Truck Driver | $51,540 | 32.1% |
| Carpenter | $51,100 | 32.4% |
| Medical Assistant | $45,650 | 36.3% |
| Warehouse Worker | $42,790 | 38.7% |
| Customer Service Representative | $41,010 | 40.4% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,940 | 42.5% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,270 | 45.7% |
| Retail Salesperson | $30,150 | 54.9% |
| Cashier | $29,470 | 56.2% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,430 | 62.7% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Sioux City?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $175 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $173,600 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $17,360 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Sioux City, IA?
Renting in Sioux City costs a median of about $1,380 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Iowa median is $1,071.
How much do I need to make to live in Sioux City?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $55,200 a year, or $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Sioux City cheap or expensive?
Sioux City is rated OK: rent takes 22.3% of the typical household income of $74,315. It ranks 67th cheapest of 86 Iowa cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Sioux City?
The median homeowner in Sioux City pays $2,668 a year in property taxes, about 1.54% of the median home value.
Is Sioux City more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 14% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Sioux City?
The median home value in Sioux City is $173,600, about 2.3 times the typical yearly household income.
86,101 people live in Sioux City. Numbers are typical (middle) values.