Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A professor in Sioux Falls earns roughly $75,339/yr (~$4,668/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,150/mo — that's 25% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
SD · 2026
Can a College Professor Afford to Live in Sioux Falls?
Using local salary estimates and Sioux Falls's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a professor in Sioux Falls, SD in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$75,339/yr local estimate
$6,278
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$1,610
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,668
1BR rent
25% of take-home
-$1,150
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$130
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$310
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,728
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a professor in Sioux Falls could save roughly $13,092/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 25% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 25% of take-home pay, a professor in Sioux Falls is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
No state income tax in SD meaningfully helps. A professor earning $75,339/yr saves roughly $3,390/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $75,339/yr — adjusted from the national College Professor median of $84,380/yr based on Sioux Falls's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Sioux Falls for a College Professor
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Downtown / Falls Park
The city's crown jewel with beautiful waterfalls, parks, restaurants, and shops. Walkable downtown core; lofts $1,300-1,600 1BR; young professional energy; priciest neighborhood.
East Side / Eastgate
Newer suburban development with chain restaurants and retail. Median home $420K; family-focused; less character but convenient and growing.
West Side
Established residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and older, well-maintained homes. Median home $380K; quiet; strong community feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a College Professor in Sioux Falls?
A College Professor in Sioux Falls earns approximately $75,339 per year, based on the national BLS median of $84,380/yr adjusted for Sioux Falls's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Sioux Falls affordable for a professor in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 25% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A professor can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a College Professor get in Sioux Falls?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a College Professor earning $75,339/yr takes home roughly $4,668/month in Sioux Falls.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a College Professor in Sioux Falls?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Sioux Falls costs a median of $1,150/month. On a College Professor salary, that's 25% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.