New Hampshire vs South Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,873
in New Hampshire
$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 | New Hampshire | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.6 | 85.9 | +35% |
| Groceries | 99.4 | 97.7 | +2% |
| Utilities | 115.9 | 85.2 | +36% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 93.6 | +11% |
| Healthcare | 107.9 | 106.5 | +1% |
| Dining & Misc | 111.6 | 93.4 | +19% |
| Overall | 110.5 | 91.8 | +20% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Hampshire.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Hampshire | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $465,000 | $285,000 | +$180,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,618/mo | $1,203/mo | +$415 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.10/gal | +$0.32 |
| Electric bill | $183/mo | $96/mo | +$86 |
| Infant childcare | $17,364/yr | $8,680/yr | +$8,684 |
Salary equivalent: New Hampshire → South Dakota
What a New Hampshire salary buys you in South Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Hampshire | Equivalent in South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,538 | +$8,462 |
| $75,000 | $62,308 | +$12,692 |
| $100,000 | $83,077 | +$16,923 |
| $150,000 | $124,615 | +$25,385 |
| $200,000 | $166,154 | +$33,846 |
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
New Hampshire is 20% more expensive than South Dakota overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 91.8 for South Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire or South Dakota?
South Dakota is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 20% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $285,000 in South Dakota.
Is South Dakota cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, South Dakota is 20% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than South Dakota?
Yes, New Hampshire is 20% 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 New Hampshire?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Hampshire, you would need approximately $83,077 in South Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.5 vs 91.8).
How do housing costs compare between New Hampshire and South Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Dakota. Median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $285,000 in South Dakota — a $180,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/mo vs $1,203/mo.
What costs more in New Hampshire vs South Dakota?
Utilities is 36% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.9 vs 85.2). Housing is 35% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.6 vs 85.9). Dining & Misc is 19% higher in New Hampshire (index 111.6 vs 93.4).
Is gas cheaper in New Hampshire or South Dakota?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire and $3.10/gallon in South Dakota — a $0.32 difference per gallon.
New Hampshire vs South Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5 and South Dakota has 91.8 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 20% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and South Dakota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. New Hampshire has no tax on earned wages — your entire salary is free from state income tax. The state previously taxed interest and dividends at 5% but fully phased that out in January 2025. NH is one of only 9 states with no income tax on wages, making it popular with workers commuting from Massachusetts. South Dakota has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. Use the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire and South Dakota?
New Hampshire 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
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Dakota Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire 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.