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Moving from Idaho to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

ID state flag
Living now

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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
Idaho
95.5
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 7.2% lower overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 25% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Idaho
98.9
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 1.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Idaho
13 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 9.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 35% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,057/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 26% 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
Idaho
87°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 73% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
199°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 77% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
19
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 1047% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
34 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 37% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Idaho
50
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 50% lower AQI
Snow / year
41 in

Get the full IdahoSouth 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 Idaho?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.8 for Idaho — 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?

Idaho tops out at 5.3% 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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