Cost of living in South Dakota
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in South Dakota are 11.4% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 88.6 (U.S. = 100), making it the #6 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare South Dakota with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs South Dakota prices
- 9.6% pricier
- Take-home in South Dakota at $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $67,482$5,624 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −8.7%−$5,890 a year in South Dakota buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your South Dakota take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare South Dakota with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with South Dakota as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to South Dakota? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
South Dakota prices by category
| Category | South Dakota | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 88.6 | −11.4% |
| Goods | 95.5 | −4.5% |
| Housing (rent) | 67.6 | −32.4% |
| Utilities | 79.7 | −20.3% |
| Other services | 91.9 | −8.1% |
Low housing costs keep South Dakota affordable: rents run 32% below average. The overall price level rose 0.5% relative to the nation versus 2023 (88.1). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in South Dakota, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,645 | $42,355 | $47,812 | $56,442 |
| $75,000 | $13,408 | $61,593 | $69,528 | $84,663 |
| $100,000 | $20,820 | $79,180 | $89,382 | $112,885 |
At $75,000, South Dakota ranks #1 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: South Dakota paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in South Dakota equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to South Dakota. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in South Dakota once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | +0.4% | $75,316 | $75,645 |
| Minnesota | +11.3% | $83,496 | $92,246 |
| Iowa | −0.9% | $74,302 | $77,442 |
| Nebraska | +1.7% | $76,284 | $80,452 |
| Wyoming | +4.6% | $78,475 | $79,057 |
| Montana | +6.8% | $80,130 | $85,957 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −1.9% | $73,604 | $76,712 |
| Mississippi | −1.8% | $73,617 | $76,707 |
| Oklahoma | −0.8% | $74,371 | $78,512 |
| California | +25.0% | $93,739 | $106,957 |
| Hawaii | +24.1% | $93,088 | $105,504 |
| Washington, DC | +24.1% | $93,046 | $104,620 |
| New Jersey | +22.8% | $92,118 | $101,984 |
| Texas | +9.6% | $82,172 | $83,372 |
| Florida | +16.7% | $87,554 | $89,655 |
| New York | +21.8% | $91,370 | $101,798 |
Moving from South Dakota to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Is South Dakota expensive to live in?
South Dakota has a price level of 88.6 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 11.4% below the national average. It ranks #6 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in South Dakota?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $66,440 in South Dakota before taxes. After South Dakota taxes, $75,000 takes home $61,593 — worth $69,528 at U.S.-average prices, #1 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in South Dakota?
South Dakota's housing price level is 67.6, meaning rents are 32.4% below the national average. Goods are 95.5 and utilities 79.7.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Iowa (price level 87.8, −0.9% vs South Dakota). A $75,000 South Dakota salary is equivalent to $77,442 there after taxes.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.