Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,181 in Connecticut versus $870 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Connecticut, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $56,584 in Connecticut and $74,714 in South Dakota — about 24% higher in South Dakota. Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Connecticut vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 26% below Connecticut's $1,181, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Connecticut than in South Dakota?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $47,000 a year in Connecticut versus $35,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Connecticut or South Dakota?
- Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax. South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Connecticut/South Dakota — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.