Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 12% higher in South Dakota. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
4.2%
+1.3 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
None
+7.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$807
+9% in Maine
Median Home Value
$214,200
$270,000
+26% in South Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$65,712
+13% in South Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
45.8°F
about equal
Maine vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 9% below Maine's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine 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 $36,000 a year in Maine versus $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or South Dakota?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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 3/3 cities we track in Maine/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.