Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,113 in South Carolina versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 27% cheaper on rent than South Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $68,460 in South Carolina and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 4% higher in South Carolina. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% 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)
South Carolina vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 27% below South Carolina's $1,113, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in South Carolina 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 $45,000 a year in South Carolina versus $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, South Carolina or South Dakota?
- South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% 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 South Carolina/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.