RentData

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

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

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 FY2025
Studio
$715
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$818
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,043
3.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,257
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,383
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$201,373
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,072/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$41,720/year
Local median income: $72,027
To buy a median home
$42,872/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,043/month and 20% down on a $201,373 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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

$
Home Value
$201,373
2BR Rent
$1,043/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,072/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,483/movs rent: $1,043/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $201,373 home at 7% rate

20% — $40,275
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,072
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$161,098
Total Paid
$385,845
Total Interest
$224,747
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Sioux City

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Sioux City

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Sioux City

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Sioux City

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IA

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⚖️Compare Sioux City

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📋IA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections