Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $807 in South Dakota versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,712 in South Dakota and $83,857 in Washington — about 22% higher in Washington. South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.2%
6.5%
+2.3 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
None
None
about equal
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$807
$1,332
+65% in Washington
Median Home Value
$270,000
$454,600
+68% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,712
$83,857
+28% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
52.1°F
+6.3°F in Washington
South Dakota vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Washington?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 39% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in South Dakota than in Washington?
- 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 South Dakota versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, South Dakota or Washington?
- South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in South Dakota/Washington — 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.