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Moving from Hawaii to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

HI state flag
Living now

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

Median household income $94,814 · winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

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
Hawaii
110.0
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 19% lower overall price level
Housing index
Hawaii
125.3
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 46% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.5
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 5.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Hawaii
101.5
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 3.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 66% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.0
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 4.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Hawaii
$875,900
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 67% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 51% 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
Hawaii
87°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Hawaii
65°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 91% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Hawaii
72°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 36% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Hawaii
271
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 20% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Hawaii
57 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Hawaii
17
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 47% higher AQI
Snow / year
Hawaii
0 in
South Dakota
41 in

Get the full HawaiiSouth 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 Hawaii?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 113.2 for Hawaii — 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?

Hawaii tops out at 11% 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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