Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $804 in North Dakota versus $870 in South Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than South Dakota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,029 in North Dakota and $74,714 in South Dakota — about 12% higher in South Dakota. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
North Dakota vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or South Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 8% below South Dakota's $870, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Dakota 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 $32,000 a year in North Dakota versus $35,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, North Dakota or South Dakota?
- North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 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 1/1 cities we track in North Dakota/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.