Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $870 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $74,714 in South Dakota — about 17% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
4.2%
+2.0 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
None
+5.0 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$870
+31% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$271,400
+14% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$74,714
+17% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
45.8°F
+4.1°F in Illinois
Illinois vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 31% below Illinois's $1,258, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Illinois 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 $50,000 a year in Illinois versus $35,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or South Dakota?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% 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 3/1 cities we track in Illinois/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.