North Carolina vs South Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$76,609
in North Carolina
$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 | North Carolina | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.0 | 85.9 | +9% |
| Groceries | 99.0 | 97.7 | +1% |
| Utilities | 94.7 | 85.2 | +11% |
| Transportation | 92.2 | 93.6 | -1% |
| Healthcare | 110.2 | 106.5 | +3% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.4 | 93.4 | +9% |
| Overall | 97.9 | 91.8 | +7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Carolina.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Carolina | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $325,000 | $285,000 | +$40,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,316/mo | $1,203/mo | +$113 |
| Gas price | $3.29/gal | $3.10/gal | +$0.19 |
| Electric bill | $103/mo | $96/mo | +$7 |
| Infant childcare | $11,720/yr | $8,680/yr | +$3,040 |
Salary equivalent: North Carolina → South Dakota
What a North Carolina salary buys you in South Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Carolina | Equivalent in South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,885 | +$3,115 |
| $75,000 | $70,327 | +$4,673 |
| $100,000 | $93,769 | +$6,231 |
| $150,000 | $140,654 | +$9,346 |
| $200,000 | $187,538 | +$12,462 |
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
North Carolina is 7% more expensive than South Dakota overall. North Carolina has an index of 97.9 vs 91.8 for South Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or South Dakota?
South Dakota is cheaper to live in. North Carolina is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $285,000 in South Dakota.
Is South Dakota cheaper than North Carolina?
Yes, South Dakota is 7% cheaper than North Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is North Carolina more expensive than South Dakota?
Yes, North Carolina is 7% 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 North Carolina?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Carolina, you would need approximately $93,769 in South Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (97.9 vs 91.8).
How do housing costs compare between North Carolina and South Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Dakota. Median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $285,000 in South Dakota — a $40,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/mo vs $1,203/mo.
What costs more in North Carolina vs South Dakota?
Utilities is 11% higher in North Carolina (index 94.7 vs 85.2). Housing is 9% higher in North Carolina (index 94 vs 85.9). Dining & Misc is 9% higher in North Carolina (index 101.4 vs 93.4).
Is gas cheaper in North Carolina or South Dakota?
Gas averages $3.29/gallon in North Carolina and $3.10/gallon in South Dakota — a $0.19 difference per gallon.
North Carolina vs South Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
North Carolina has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9 and South Dakota has 91.8 (national average = 100). North Carolina is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Dakota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the North Carolina 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
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Carolina — 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.