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Moving from Minnesota to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

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
Minnesota
98.6
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 10% lower overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 2.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 5.2% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 2.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 16% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 31% 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
Minnesota
82°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 4.9% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 50% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 8.0% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 12% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 27% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Minnesota
39
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 36% lower AQI
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 11% less annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaSouth 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 Minnesota?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota — 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?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% 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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