Average Rent in Sioux City, IA↑ Rents rising 3.3% YoY🔺 7th priciest in IA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 144,007
Market Overview
Sioux City, IA has rental prices ranging from $715/month to $1,383/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $818/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,027/year, spending $818/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Sioux City Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,043/month, Sioux City ranks #7 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 70% of all US cities in our data.
The Sioux City Rental Market
The Sioux City, IA area has a population of about 144,007 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Sioux City, IA have risen by $33/month (3.3%) over the past year, from $1,010 to $1,043. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Sioux City, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,720. The local median household income of $72,027 exceeds that threshold by $39,307, making Sioux City relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Sioux City, IA is $201,373, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.1. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Sioux City, IA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $990 | $1,052 | $1,261 | $1,675 | — |
| Jasper County | $707 | $711 | $920 | $1,265 | — |
| Des Moines | $954 | $1,017 | $1,216 | $1,632 | — |
| Cedar Rapids | $681 | $757 | $993 | $1,391 | — |
| Iowa City | $816 | $921 | $1,105 | $1,548 | — |
| Waterloo | $684 | $760 | $997 | $1,301 | — |
Rent or Buy in Sioux City?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Sioux City data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $201,373 home at 7% rate
Living in Sioux City
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
⚖️Rent vs Buy in Sioux CityIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in Sioux CitySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Sioux City ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Sioux CitySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections