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Moving from Colorado to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

CO state flag
Living now

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

SD state flag
Moving to

South Dakota

Capital: Pierre

Median household income $71,810 · winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days

No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

South Dakota has an overall price level 88.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Colorado
103.1
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 14% lower overall price level
Housing index
Colorado
127.4
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 47% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Colorado
100.8
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 3.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Colorado
100.5
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 2.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Colorado
16.7 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 15% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Colorado
100.6
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 2.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Colorado
$574,600
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 50% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Colorado
$1,627/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 52% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Colorado
86°F
South Dakota
86°F
Avg winter low
Colorado
18°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 67% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Colorado
46°F
South Dakota
46°F
Sunny days / year
Colorado
245
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 11% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Colorado
17 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 29% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Colorado
74
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 66% lower AQI
Snow / year
Colorado
69 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 41% less annual snowfall

Get the full ColoradoSouth Dakota report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota than Colorado?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 103 for Colorado — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Colorado tops out at 4.4% income tax. South Dakota tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in South Dakota?

Most South Dakota residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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