South Dakota cost of living
Midwest region · BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 · Census ACS 2023
South Dakota has an overall price level of 88.0 on the BEA Regional Price Parity scale (US average = 100), or -12.0% versus the country — among the most affordable price levels in the country. That makes it the #48 of 51 state by price (1 = most expensive). Its median household income is $71,810 (ranked #33) and median gross rent is $999/month. To match a typical US $60,000 standard of living here you'd need roughly $52,800.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (RPP), all items. Data as of June 2026.
South Dakota cost-of-living indicators
| Indicator | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Price level (BEA RPP, all items, US = 100) | 88.0 (-12.0%) |
| Price-level rank (1 = most expensive of 51) | #48 |
| Median household income (ACS 2023) | $71,810 |
| Income rank (1 = highest of 51) | #33 |
| Median gross rent (ACS 2023, per month) | $999 |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (RPP), all items; U.S. Census Bureau, ACS median household income; U.S. Census Bureau, ACS median gross rent (Table B25064). Data as of June 2026.
Sources: BEA RPP 2022 · Census ACS income 2023 · Census ACS rent 2023. Estimate — verify with the primary source.
What the price level means
The Regional Price Parity is a single index of how expensive everything — housing, goods, services and rents — is in South Dakota relative to the nation. At 88.0, prices here are about 12.0% lower than the US average. Housing typically drives most of the gap between states — South Dakota's median rent of $999/month is one signal of that. RPP is a 2022 estimate and updates roughly once a year; treat it as a guide to relative prices, not a precise current figure.
Salary needed to keep your standard of living in South Dakota
Because South Dakota's price level is 88.0 (US = 100), a salary worth $1,000 of buying power at the US average is worth about $880 of spending here. A few worked examples (price level only — these ignore taxes and your actual job market):
| US-average salary | Equivalent budget in South Dakota |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,000 |
| $75,000 | $66,000 |
| $100,000 | $88,000 |
| $150,000 | $132,000 |
Moving from a specific state? The cost-of-living calculator converts your own salary between any two states. For example, $80,000 in Alabama is worth about $80,182 in South Dakota.
States with a similar cost of living to South Dakota
The five states closest to South Dakota on the price-level scale:
| State | RPP (US=100) | vs US | Median income | Median rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (this state) | 88.0 | -12.0% | $71,810 | $999 |
| Alabama | 87.8 | -12.2% | $62,212 | $1,077 |
| Iowa | 88.4 | -11.6% | $71,433 | $981 |
| Mississippi | 87.3 | -12.7% | $54,203 | $990 |
| North Dakota | 88.7 | -11.3% | $76,525 | $980 |
| Oklahoma | 88.8 | -11.2% | $62,138 | $1,044 |
Frequently asked questions
Is South Dakota an expensive state to live in?
South Dakota's overall price level is 88.0 on the BEA Regional Price Parity scale where the US average is 100, which is -12.0% versus the country as a whole — among the most affordable price levels in the country. It ranks #48 of 51 states (and DC) from most to least expensive. This is an estimate of overall prices; verify with the BEA before relying on it.
What salary do you need to live in South Dakota?
As a rule of thumb, to match a US-average $60,000 standard of living you would need about $52,800 in South Dakota, because its price level is 88.0 (US = 100). The state's own median household income is $71,810 (ACS 2023). Use the cost-of-living calculator to convert your specific salary between states. This is an estimate, not advice.
What is the median rent in South Dakota?
The median gross rent in South Dakota is $999 per month (US Census Bureau ACS 2023, Table B25064). Gross rent includes utilities. Actual rents vary widely by city and unit size.
How does South Dakota's cost of living compare to other states?
South Dakota is closest in overall price level to Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi. The most similar-cost states make natural comparisons if you are weighing a move. See the side-by-side comparison and rankings pages for details.
Keep exploring
Sources & accuracy
Price level: BEA Regional Price Parities (RPP), all items (2022). Income and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023). All public domain. The "salary needed" numbers are computed from the RPP ratio (see methodology) and are estimates of price level only — they do not account for state income tax, your specific salary market or personal spending. Verify with the primary sources before making a financial decision.
Last updated: 2026-06-18