South Dakota's cost of living index is 93.5 — 6.5% below the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
93.5
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
-6.5%
Less expensive
Median Income
$76,881
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$82,226
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 93.5 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | 6.5% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $76,881 | South Dakota median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $82,226 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 935,094 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 93.5, South Dakota is 7% below the national average. Lower costs in South Dakota mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $76,881 in South Dakota provides the equivalent purchasing power of $82,226 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.South Dakota's typical home value of $321,600 is near the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (none in South Dakota), sales tax (4.2% state rate), and property taxes (1.02% effective rate).
