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Moving from South Dakota to Vermont

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching. vs. Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, 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.

VT state flag
Moving to

Vermont

Capital: Montpelier

Median household income $74,014 · winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days

Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population.

Vermont has an overall price level 98.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
South Dakota
88.6
Vermont
98.0
Vermont has 11% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Dakota
67.6
Vermont
86.5
Vermont has 28% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.1
Vermont
99.5
Vermont has 2.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Dakota
98.3
Vermont
99.7
Vermont has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
Vermont
24.1 ¢/kWh
Vermont has 69% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.7
Vermont
99.6
Vermont has 1.9% higher transportation
Median home value
South Dakota
$289,600
Vermont
$352,800
Vermont is 22% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Dakota
$781/mo
Vermont
$1,089/mo
Vermont is 39% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 80°F · Winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
South Dakota
86°F
Vermont
80°F
Vermont is 7.0% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Dakota
6°F
Vermont
9°F
Vermont is 50% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Dakota
46°F
Vermont
43°F
Vermont is 5.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Dakota
218
Vermont
152
Vermont has 30% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Dakota
21 in
Vermont
45 in
Vermont is 109% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
South Dakota
25
Vermont
42
Vermont has 68% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Dakota
41 in
Vermont
90 in
Vermont is 120% more annual snowfall

Get the full South DakotaVermont 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 Vermont than South Dakota?

Vermont's overall price level is roughly 99.3 (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. Vermont tops out at 8.75%.

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

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

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