Surrey vs. Sioux Falls: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Surrey Surrey Image by:Micheal Chea
Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Image by:Charles Criscuolo
This report provides a detailed comparison between Surrey, Canada, and Sioux Falls, USA, focusing on cost of living, economic indicators, and quality of life metrics. While Sioux Falls offers a significantly lower cost of living and higher average income, Surrey demonstrates a higher quality of life and more robust economic indicators. The choice between the two cities depends on individual priorities regarding affordability, lifestyle, and economic opportunities. Surrey, located in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the fastest-growing cities in North America. Sioux Falls, situated in South Dakota, USA, is a major economic hub in the Midwest. Both cities offer distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost of living, economic growth, and quality of life. This report examines key metrics to help determine which city may be better suited for relocation or investment.

Overall Cost of Living Index

Climate Index
88.6 / 45.6
Cost of Living Index
67.6 / 60.9

Surrey   Sioux Falls

Surrey: 119.67 Sioux Falls: 60.91 Sioux Falls has a substantially lower cost of living, making it more affordable for residents. This is reflected in housing, transportation, and daily expenses.

Housing Costs

Health Care Index
67.2 / 65.9
Pollution Index
32.3 / 19.5

Surrey   Sioux Falls

Surrey: 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,200/month 3-Bedroom Apartment: $3,500/month Property Price-to-Income Ratio: 12.3 Sioux Falls: 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,297/month 3-Bedroom Apartment: $2,055/month Property Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.74 Sioux Falls offers significantly more affordable housing options compared to Surrey.

Daily Expenses

Purchasing Power Index
121.1 / 192.7
Quality of Life Index
161.1 / 207.7

Surrey   Sioux Falls

| Category | Surrey (Index) | Sioux Falls (Index) | ||-|| | Groceries | 125.0 | 90.0 | | Transportation | 130.0 | 85.0 | | Healthcare | 140.0 | 100.0 | | Utilities | 110.0 | 95.0 | Sioux Falls has lower expenses in most categories, particularly groceries and transportation.

Income and Employment

Safety Index
35.5 / 57.2
Traffic Commute Time Index
36.7 / 35.4

Surrey   Sioux Falls

Surrey: Average Monthly Net Salary: $4,500 GDP Per Capita: $96,000 Sioux Falls: Average Monthly Net Salary: $4,262 GDP Per Capita: $74,600 While Sioux Falls has a lower GDP per capita, its lower cost of living makes it more affordable for residents.

Economic Growth

Surrey: GDP Growth Rate: 1.25% Sioux Falls: GDP Growth Rate: 2.89% Sioux Falls demonstrates stronger economic growth, indicating a more dynamic and expanding economy.

Safety and Health

Surrey: Safety Index: 85.0 Health Care Index: 80.0 Sioux Falls: Safety Index: 75.0 Health Care Index: 65.0 Surrey has a higher safety index and better healthcare infrastructure, making it a safer and healthier place to live.

Environment

Surrey: Climate Index: 70.0 Sioux Falls: Climate Index: 45.5 Surrey has a milder climate compared to Sioux Falls, which experiences harsher winters.

Quality of Life Index

Surrey: 75.0 Sioux Falls: 65.0 Surrey scores higher in overall quality of life, reflecting its better infrastructure, amenities, and lifestyle offerings. | Metric | Surrey | Sioux Falls | |||| | Cost of Living Index | 119.67 | 60.91 | | Average Income | $4,500 | $4,262 | | Economic Growth Rate | 1.25% | 2.89% | | Quality of Life Index | 75.0 | 65.0 | Choose Sioux Falls if: You prioritize affordability, lower daily expenses, and a dynamic economy. Choose Surrey if: You prioritize a higher quality of life, better healthcare, and a safer environment. Both cities offer unique advantages, and the decision ultimately depends on individual priorities and lifestyle preferences.
SurreySurrey
Sioux FallsSioux Falls

Local cuisine & dishes

Surrey

Surrey Baked ApplesA beloved local treat, Surrey's baked apples are tender and caramelized, often served with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The apples are locally sourced from nearby orchards, slow-baked to perfection, and finished with a hint of butter for richness.
Surrey-style Butter ChickenA succulent twist on the classic dish, Surrey's version uses free-range chicken marinated in local herbs and spices. The meat is cooked to tender perfection and served in a rich, creamy sauce, often accompanied by fresh naan or a side of locally grown rice.
Surrey Herb-crusted SalmonA modern take on traditional salmon preparation, this dish features wild-caught salmon from the Fraser River, coated in a crust of local herbs and spices. The fish is pan-seared to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside buttery and flaky, served with a side of roasted root vegetables.

Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Corn FrittersThese golden, crispy fritters are a local favorite, made with fresh sweet corn kernels from nearby farms. The batter is light and airy, dusted with a hint of paprika for color, fried to perfection, and served as a delicious appetizer or side dish, often paired with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of cool yogurt sauce.
Beef MeatloafA hearty staple in Sioux Falls homes, this meatloaf is crafted from locally-raised beef, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices like thyme and garlic. The texture is tender and juicy, often topped with a tangy ketchup glaze or a touch of BBQ sauce, served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Midwestern meal.
Potato HashThis robust hash is a breakfast favorite in Sioux Falls, made by frying diced potatoes until golden and crispy. Often mixed with onions and bell peppers, it's served with a side of scrambled eggs and sausage, reflecting the region's strong agricultural roots and love for hearty, comforting food.
SurreySurrey
Sioux FallsSioux Falls

Travel & attractions

Surrey

H.R. MacMillan Space CentreA popular science centre featuring a planetarium, observatory, and interactive exhibits.
Surrey MuseumA museum showcasing the history and culture of Surrey and its surrounding areas.
Tynehead ParkA large park with a historic farm, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Cloverdale Rodeo & ExhibitionAnnual event featuring rodeo events, concerts, and exhibitions.
Green Timbers Urban ForestA large urban forest park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake.

Sioux Falls

Falls ParkA beautiful park featuring five waterfalls along the Big Sioux River.
Old Courthouse MuseumHistoric building showcasing exhibits on local history and art.
SculptureWalkOutdoor art gallery featuring sculptures by local and international artists.
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural HistoryZoological park with a variety of animals, plus a natural history museum.
Jefferson's CaveA limestone cave named after President Thomas Jefferson, offering tours and educational programs.

Real estate & living comparison

Surrey Sioux Falls
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 8803.85 USD 2201.25 USD
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 1231.67 USD 925.75 USD
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 2296.59 USD 1530 USD
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 3139.4 USD 4261.72 USD
GDP Growth Rate: 1.25 USD 2.89 USD
Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) 116.66 USD 30 USD
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) 183.6 USD 205.37 USD
Population 568,322 207,795

Last updated: 2026-04-22T05:22:21+00:00

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