South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 9 categories
California
Moderate tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 5 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. California's top rate is 13.3%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 49% higher than South Dakota (index 95). Property taxes are meaningfully different: South Dakota averages 1.08% annually vs California's 0.71%. The median home in California costs $790K vs $310K in South Dakota.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
9
South Dakota
5
California
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Are Californians moving to South Dakota?
Some states, like South Dakota, Wyoming, Delaware, and West Virginia have seen strong moving interest from Americans on the move in 2025, according to moveBuddha's end of the year report. But the data highlights that it's not Californians who are looking to move there.
Is moving to South Dakota a good idea?
How much is $100,000 after taxes in South Dakota?
Is South Dakota cheaper than California?
South Dakota is 26.2% cheaper than California. Expenses including childcare, housing, transportation, entertainment and sports, restaurants, and groceries are lower in South Dakota.