Alaska vs South Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$81,699
in South Dakota
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Alaska | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 85.9 | +44% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 97.7 | +28% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 85.2 | +84% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 93.6 | +28% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 106.5 | +31% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 93.4 | +31% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 91.8 | +38% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $285,000 | +$55,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,203/mo | +$527 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $3.10/gal | +$0.85 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $96/mo | +$100 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $8,680/yr | +$12,263 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → South Dakota
What a Alaska salary buys you in South Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $36,227 | +$13,773 |
| $75,000 | $54,341 | +$20,659 |
| $100,000 | $72,455 | +$27,545 |
| $150,000 | $108,682 | +$41,318 |
| $200,000 | $144,909 | +$55,091 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Dakota. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Alaska is 38% more expensive than South Dakota overall. Alaska has an index of 126.7 vs 91.8 for South Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or South Dakota?
South Dakota is cheaper to live in. Alaska is 38% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $285,000 in South Dakota.
Is South Dakota cheaper than Alaska?
Yes, South Dakota is 38% cheaper than Alaska overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Alaska more expensive than South Dakota?
Yes, Alaska is 38% more expensive than South Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Dakota equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $72,455 in South Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 91.8).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and South Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Dakota. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $285,000 in South Dakota — a $55,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $1,203/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs South Dakota?
Utilities is 84% higher in Alaska (index 156.5 vs 85.2). Housing is 44% higher in Alaska (index 123.6 vs 85.9). Healthcare is 31% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 106.5).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or South Dakota?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $3.10/gallon in South Dakota — a $0.85 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs South Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and South Dakota has 91.8 (national average = 100). Alaska is 38% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and South Dakota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. It funds government primarily through oil revenue. South Dakota has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. Use the Alaska vs South Dakota paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Alaska and South Dakota?
Alaska has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. South Dakota has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alaska Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- Alaska Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alaska Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Dakota Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Alaska Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- South Dakota Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.