Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $953 in Montana versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 9% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
4.2%
+4.2 pp in South Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
None
+5.7 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$953
$807
+15% in Montana
Median Home Value
$427,400
$270,000
+37% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$65,712
+9% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.9°F
45.8°F
+0.1°F in Montana
Montana vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 15% below Montana's $953, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Montana 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 $38,000 a year in Montana versus $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or South Dakota?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no 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 Montana/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.