Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $866 in Missouri versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than Missouri, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,279 in Missouri and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 16% higher in South Dakota. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.225%
4.2%
+0.0 pp in Missouri
Income Tax (top rate)
4.70%
None
+4.7 pp in Missouri
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$866
$807
+7% in Missouri
Median Home Value
$185,100
$270,000
+46% in South Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,279
$65,712
+19% in South Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
56.3°F
45.8°F
+10.5°F in Missouri
Missouri vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 7% below Missouri's $866, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Missouri 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 Missouri versus $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Missouri or South Dakota?
- Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% 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 Missouri/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.