South Dakota vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,699
in South Dakota
$82,327
in Texas
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 | South Dakota | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 85.9 | 79.4 | +8% |
| Groceries | 97.7 | 95.3 | +3% |
| Utilities | 85.2 | 102.9 | -17% |
| Transportation | 93.6 | 92.9 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 96.8 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 93.4 | 95.2 | -2% |
| Overall | 91.8 | 91.1 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in South Dakota.
What things actually cost
| Item | South Dakota | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $285,000 | $295,000 | $10,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,203/mo | $1,112/mo | +$91 |
| Gas price | $3.10/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.11 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $87/mo | +$10 |
| Infant childcare | $8,680/yr | $10,706/yr | $2,026 |
Salary equivalent: South Dakota → Texas
What a South Dakota salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in South Dakota | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,619 | +$381 |
| $75,000 | $74,428 | +$572 |
| $100,000 | $99,237 | +$763 |
| $150,000 | $148,856 | +$1,144 |
| $200,000 | $198,475 | +$1,525 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
South Dakota and Texas have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 91.8 and 91.1 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Texas?
South Dakota and Texas have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Texas cheaper than South Dakota?
South Dakota and Texas cost roughly the same to live in.
Is South Dakota more expensive than Texas?
South Dakota and Texas have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in South Dakota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in South Dakota, you would need approximately $99,237 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.8 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between South Dakota and Texas?
Housing is cheaper in South Dakota. Median home prices are $285,000 in South Dakota vs $295,000 in Texas — a $10,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,203/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in South Dakota vs Texas?
Utilities is 17% lower in South Dakota (index 85.2 vs 102.9). Healthcare is 10% higher in South Dakota (index 106.5 vs 96.8). Housing is 8% higher in South Dakota (index 85.9 vs 79.4).
Is gas cheaper in South Dakota or Texas?
Gas averages $3.10/gallon in South Dakota and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.11 difference per gallon.
South Dakota vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
South Dakota has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.8 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the South Dakota vs Texas 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
- South Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Dakota vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in South Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.