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Moving from Utah to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Best ski resorts, youngest state, booming Silicon Slopes. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

UT state flag
Living now

Utah

Capital: Salt Lake City

Median household income $89,168 · winter low 22°F · 222 sunny days

Best ski resorts, youngest state, booming Silicon Slopes.

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
Utah
98.9
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 10% lower overall price level
Housing index
Utah
107.8
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 37% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Utah
96.4
South Dakota
95.5
South Dakota has 1.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Utah
99.8
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Utah
13.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.5 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 9.3% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Utah
99.8
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 2.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Utah
$545,200
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 47% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Utah
$1,593/mo
South Dakota
$999/mo
South Dakota is 37% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Utah
93°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 7.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Utah
22°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 73% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Utah
49°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 7.1% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Utah
222
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 1.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Utah
14 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 50% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Utah
44
South Dakota
47
South Dakota has 6.8% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Utah
23
South Dakota
0
South Dakota has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Utah
52 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 21% less annual snowfall

Get the full UtahSouth Dakota report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota than Utah?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.9 for Utah, 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?

Utah tops out at 4.45% 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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