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Moving from Maine to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

ME state flag
Living now

Maine

Capital: Augusta

Median household income $71,773 · winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

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
Maine
97.0
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 8.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 14% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 2.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 50% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 1.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 15% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 14% 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
Maine
79°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 8.9% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 45% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 7.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 11% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 53% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
33
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 24% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 49% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineSouth 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 Maine?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.5 for Maine — 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?

Maine tops out at 7.15% 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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