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Moving from Louisiana to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

LA state flag
Living now

Louisiana

Capital: Baton Rouge

Median household income $57,852 · winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days

Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

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
Louisiana
88.2
South Dakota
88.6
Housing index
Louisiana
63.1
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 7.2% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.1
South Dakota
97.1
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
South Dakota
98.3
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 0.9% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.6
South Dakota
97.7
Median home value
Louisiana
$223,200
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 30% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Louisiana
$932/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 16% 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
Louisiana
92°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 6.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Louisiana
41°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 85% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Louisiana
67°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 31% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Louisiana
216
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 0.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Louisiana
60 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 64% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Louisiana
76
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 67% lower AQI
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
South Dakota
41 in

Get the full LouisianaSouth 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 Louisiana?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.6 for Louisiana — 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?

Louisiana tops out at 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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