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Moving from Maryland to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

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
Maryland
105.0
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 16% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 44% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 4.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 2.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 60% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 3.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 47% 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
Maryland
87°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 76% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 17% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 10% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 51% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 42% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 46% more annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandSouth 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 Maryland?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland — 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% 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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