Cost of Living for South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota (SD) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
92
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$63,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$850/month
State Income Tax Rate
None (no state income tax)
How This Calculator Works in South Dakota
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between South Dakota and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses South Dakota's cost of living index of 92 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
South Dakota Overview
South Dakota has a cost of living index of 92, where 100 represents the national average. South Dakota has a below-average cost of living with very affordable housing. Sioux Falls is the most expensive area but remains well below the national average. The median household income is $63,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $68,478 in an average-cost location.
How South Dakota Compares
South Dakota's cost of living index of 92 compares to North Dakota's 94 and Minnesota's 97. Residents in South Dakota benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 10% less than South Dakota, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 109% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | COL Index: 94 | North Dakota has a cost of living index of 94 and a median household income of $65,000. It is more expensive than South Dakota. |
| Minnesota | COL Index: 97 | Minnesota has a cost of living index of 97 and a median household income of $77,000. It is more expensive than South Dakota. |
| Nebraska | COL Index: 92 | Nebraska has a cost of living index of 92 and a median household income of $66,000. It has a similar cost of living to South Dakota. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. South Dakota's index of 92 is below the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. South Dakota's median household income of $63,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for South Dakota Residents
- 1South Dakota has a below-average cost of living with very affordable housing. Sioux Falls is the most expensive area but remains well below the national average.
- 2South Dakota's median household income of $63,000 has a real purchasing power of about $68,478 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3South Dakota has no state income tax, which effectively increases your purchasing power compared to states with similar costs of living but income tax obligations.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within South Dakota between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.