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Moving from Tennessee to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

TN state flag
Living now

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

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
Tennessee
91.9
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 3.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Tennessee
79.1
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 14% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.0
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 0.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.8
South Dakota
98.3
Electricity rate
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 5.2% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.4
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Tennessee
$332,600
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 13% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 34% 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
Tennessee
89°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Tennessee
30°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 80% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Tennessee
58°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 21% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Tennessee
207
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 5.3% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Tennessee
54 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Tennessee
50
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 50% lower AQI
Snow / year
Tennessee
5 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 720% more annual snowfall

Get the full TennesseeSouth 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 Tennessee?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 91.9 for Tennessee — 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?

Tennessee tops out at 0% 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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