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Cost of living in South Dakota

Rent, taxes, earnings and more across all 66 South Dakota counties.

Avg. 1-bed rent
$728/mo
Avg. household income
$66,926/yr
Avg. home value
$166,130
Avg. monthly cost
$2,562/mo
Cheapest county
Clay County
$2,287/mo for a single person
Most expensive county
Lincoln County
$2,921/mo for a single person

Last updated May 21, 2026

Taxes in South Dakota

State income, sales and local tax rates.

South Dakota has no state income tax

Residents of South Dakota pay no state income tax on wages, salaries, or investment income. This can save a typical earner $2,000 to $6,000 per year compared to states with income tax.

State sales tax
4.20%
Combined sales tax
6.10%
incl. average local of 1.90%

Use our salary calculator to see your take-home pay in South Dakota

Tax information is for general reference. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

Rent in South Dakota

The average one-bedroom rent across South Dakota is $728/mo. Rent varies from $665/mo in Brule County to $882/mo in Turner County.

Cheapest rent

Most expensive rent

Cheapest places to live in South Dakota

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Rankings include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare and taxes. See our methodology.

Most expensive places to live in South Dakota

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Highest earning counties in South Dakota

Top 10 by average household income.

All 66 counties in South Dakota

Sorted by population. Type to filter.

Compare any two areas in South Dakota

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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Frequently asked questions about South Dakota

Common questions about cost of living, taxes and rent.

What is the cost of living in South Dakota?

The average cost of living in South Dakota is approximately $2,562 per month for a single person. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and taxes. Costs range from $2,287/mo in Clay County to $2,921/mo in Lincoln County.

What is the average rent in South Dakota?

The average one-bedroom rent in South Dakota is $728 per month, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across all 66 counties.

What is the average salary in South Dakota?

The average household income in South Dakota is $66,926 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Does South Dakota have state income tax?

No, South Dakota has no state income tax. Residents pay no state tax on wages, salaries or investment income.

What is the sales tax in South Dakota?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Dakota averages 6.10%. The state rate is 4.20% with an average local addition of 1.90%.

What are the cheapest places to live in South Dakota?

The cheapest counties to live in South Dakota based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Mellette County ($2,286/mo), 2. Ziebach County ($2,286/mo), 3. Clay County ($2,287/mo), 4. Oglala Lakota County ($2,321/mo), 5. Corson County ($2,369/mo).

What are the most expensive places to live in South Dakota?

The most expensive counties to live in South Dakota based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Lincoln County ($2,921/mo), 2. McCook County ($2,860/mo), 3. Minnehaha County ($2,838/mo), 4. Turner County ($2,831/mo), 5. Union County ($2,810/mo).

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Journalists, researchers and bloggers are welcome to cite and share this analysis. Please include a follow link back to this page when referencing our data. For bespoke analysis, expert comment, or high-resolution graphics, get in touch via our press office.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources.

  • U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
  • HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Tax Foundation state and local rates
Methodology All data sources