Florida vs South Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$73,964
in Florida
$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 | Florida | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 103.5 | 85.9 | +20% |
| Groceries | 104.3 | 97.7 | +7% |
| Utilities | 98.1 | 85.2 | +15% |
| Transportation | 99.8 | 93.6 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 92.7 | 106.5 | -13% |
| Dining & Misc | 100.7 | 93.4 | +8% |
| Overall | 101.4 | 91.8 | +10% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Florida.
What things actually cost
| Item | Florida | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $385,000 | $285,000 | +$100,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,449/mo | $1,203/mo | +$246 |
| Gas price | $3.63/gal | $3.10/gal | +$0.53 |
| Electric bill | $111/mo | $96/mo | +$15 |
| Infant childcare | $13,021/yr | $8,680/yr | +$4,341 |
Salary equivalent: Florida → South Dakota
What a Florida salary buys you in South Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Florida | Equivalent in South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,266 | +$4,734 |
| $75,000 | $67,899 | +$7,101 |
| $100,000 | $90,533 | +$9,467 |
| $150,000 | $135,799 | +$14,201 |
| $200,000 | $181,065 | +$18,935 |
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
Florida is 10% more expensive than South Dakota overall. Florida has an index of 101.4 vs 91.8 for South Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Florida or South Dakota?
South Dakota is cheaper to live in. Florida is 10% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $385,000 in Florida vs $285,000 in South Dakota.
Is South Dakota cheaper than Florida?
Yes, South Dakota is 10% cheaper than Florida overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Florida more expensive than South Dakota?
Yes, Florida is 10% 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 Florida?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Florida, you would need approximately $90,533 in South Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (101.4 vs 91.8).
How do housing costs compare between Florida and South Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Dakota. Median home prices are $385,000 in Florida vs $285,000 in South Dakota — a $100,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,449/mo vs $1,203/mo.
What costs more in Florida vs South Dakota?
Housing is 20% higher in Florida (index 103.5 vs 85.9). Healthcare is 13% lower in Florida (index 92.7 vs 106.5). Utilities is 15% higher in Florida (index 98.1 vs 85.2).
Is gas cheaper in Florida or South Dakota?
Gas averages $3.63/gallon in Florida and $3.10/gallon in South Dakota — a $0.53 difference per gallon.
Florida vs South Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
Florida has an overall cost-of-living index of 101.4 and South Dakota has 91.8 (national average = 100). Florida is 10% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Dakota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Florida vs South Dakota paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Florida Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Florida vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Florida — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- 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.