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Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching. vs. Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

SD state flag
Living now

South Dakota

Capital: Pierre

Median household income $71,810 · winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days

No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

KS state flag
Moving to

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

Kansas has an overall price level 90.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
South Dakota
88.6
Kansas
90.1
Kansas has 1.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Dakota
67.6
Kansas
71.2
Kansas has 5.2% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.1
Kansas
97.5
Utilities index (modeled)
South Dakota
98.3
Kansas
98.5
Electricity rate
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
Kansas
15.3 ¢/kWh
Kansas has 7.3% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.7
Kansas
98.0
Median home value
South Dakota
$289,600
Kansas
$238,700
Kansas is 18% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Dakota
$781/mo
Kansas
$861/mo
Kansas is 10% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
South Dakota
86°F
Kansas
89°F
Kansas is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
South Dakota
6°F
Kansas
21°F
Kansas is 250% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Dakota
46°F
Kansas
55°F
Kansas is 19% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Dakota
218
Kansas
217
Annual precipitation
South Dakota
21 in
Kansas
32 in
Kansas is 47% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Dakota
25
Kansas
38
Kansas has 52% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Dakota
41 in
Kansas
16 in
Kansas is 61% less annual snowfall

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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 Kansas than South Dakota?

Kansas's overall price level is roughly 90.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 88.7 for South Dakota — 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?

South Dakota tops out at 0% income tax. Kansas tops out at 5.58%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Kansas?

Most Kansas residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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