Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $870 in Iowa versus $870 in South Dakota. The two are close on rent, within a few percent of each other.
Median household income across tracked cities is $63,966 in Iowa and $74,714 in South Dakota — about 14% higher in South Dakota. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4.2%
+1.8 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
None
+3.8 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$870
$870
about equal
Median Home Value
$183,700
$271,400
+48% in South Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$63,966
$74,714
+17% in South Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.9°F
45.8°F
+5.1°F in Iowa
Iowa vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or South Dakota?
- They're close. Median one-bedroom rent runs $870 in Iowa and $870 in South Dakota — within a few percent of each other.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa 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 $35,000 a year in Iowa versus $35,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or South Dakota?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% 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 Iowa/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.