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Moving from Illinois to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 28% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 2.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 24% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 2.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 3.2% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 33% 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
Illinois
85°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 68% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 47% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 38% lower AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 116% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisSouth 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 Illinois?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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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