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Moving from Nebraska to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

NE state flag
Living now

Nebraska

Capital: Lincoln

Median household income $71,722 · winter low 14°F · 220 sunny days

Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment.

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
Nebraska
90.1
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 1.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Nebraska
75.2
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 10% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Nebraska
97.5
South Dakota
97.1
Utilities index (modeled)
Nebraska
98.5
South Dakota
98.3
Electricity rate
Nebraska
13.1 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 9.1% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Nebraska
98.0
South Dakota
97.7
Median home value
Nebraska
$263,100
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 10% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Nebraska
$999/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 22% 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
Nebraska
88°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 2.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Nebraska
14°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 57% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Nebraska
49°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 7.1% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Nebraska
220
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 0.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Nebraska
25 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 16% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Nebraska
40
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 38% lower AQI
Snow / year
Nebraska
29 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 41% more annual snowfall

Get the full NebraskaSouth 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 Nebraska?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.3 for Nebraska — 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?

Nebraska tops out at 4.55% 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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