State Comparison
South Dakota vs North Dakota
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
North Dakota leads in 12 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $326,000 in South Dakota vs $294,000 in North Dakota — a $32,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: South Dakota has no income tax while North Dakota has a 2.5% top rate. Property tax rates are 1% vs 0.92%.
- 4
Cost of Living: South Dakota's index is 94.1 and North Dakota's is 90.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real South Dakota and North Dakota data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Dakota or North Dakota more affordable?
North Dakota has a lower cost of living index (90.7) compared to South Dakota (94.1), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — South Dakota or North Dakota?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, South Dakota is lower on more of them. South Dakota has no income tax, 4.2% state sales tax, and a 1% effective property tax rate. North Dakota has a 2.5% top income tax, 5% state sales tax, and a 0.92% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in South Dakota vs North Dakota?
The typical home value in South Dakota is $326,000 compared to $294,000 in North Dakota (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,094/month in South Dakota vs $1,088/month in North Dakota.
Which state is better for starting a business — South Dakota or North Dakota?
LLC filing costs are $150 in South Dakota vs $135 in North Dakota, with annual fees of $55 and $50 respectively. South Dakota's lack of income tax compared to North Dakota's 2.5% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from South Dakota to North Dakota?
It depends on your priorities. North Dakota wins in 12 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing South Dakota and North Dakota
When deciding between living in South Dakota or North Dakota, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
South Dakota (SD) has a median household income of $76,881 with a cost of living index of 94.1. North Dakota (ND) has a median household income of $77,871 with a cost of living index of 90.7. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free South Dakota calculator or North Dakota calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.