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Moving from South Dakota to Maine

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

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.

ME state flag
Moving to

Maine

Capital: Augusta

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

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

Maine has an overall price level 97.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
South Dakota
88.6
Maine
97.0
Maine has 9.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Dakota
67.6
Maine
78.9
Maine has 17% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.1
Maine
99.3
Maine has 2.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Dakota
98.3
Maine
99.6
Maine has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 98% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.7
Maine
99.4
Maine has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
South Dakota
$289,600
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 18% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Dakota
$781/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 16% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
South Dakota
86°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 8.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Dakota
6°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 83% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Dakota
46°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 6.8% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Dakota
218
Maine
196
Maine has 10% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Dakota
21 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 112% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Dakota
25
Maine
33
Maine has 32% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Dakota
41 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 98% more annual snowfall

Get the full South DakotaMaine report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Maine than South Dakota?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (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. Maine tops out at 7.15%.

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

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

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