Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Ohio versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 1% cheaper on rent than Ohio, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $51,707 in Ohio and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 21% higher in South Dakota. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.75%
4.2%
+1.5 pp in Ohio
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
None
+2.8 pp in Ohio
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$807
+1% in Ohio
Median Home Value
$215,300
$270,000
+25% in South Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$51,707
$65,712
+27% in South Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
45.8°F
+6.9°F in Ohio
Ohio vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 1% below Ohio's $817, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Ohio 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 $33,000 a year in Ohio versus $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or South Dakota?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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 Ohio/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.