South Dakota vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,699
in South Dakota
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 85.9 | 118.3 | -27% |
| Groceries | 97.7 | 108.0 | -10% |
| Utilities | 85.2 | 98.8 | -14% |
| Transportation | 93.6 | 124.0 | -25% |
| Healthcare | 106.5 | 110.2 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 93.4 | 111.2 | -16% |
| Overall | 91.8 | 112.9 | -19% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in South Dakota.
What things actually cost
| Item | South Dakota | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $285,000 | $580,000 | $295,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,203/mo | $1,656/mo | $453 |
| Gas price | $3.10/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.59 |
| Electric bill | $96/mo | $90/mo | +$7 |
| Infant childcare | $8,680/yr | $20,677/yr | $11,997 |
Salary equivalent: South Dakota → Washington
What a South Dakota salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in South Dakota | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $61,492 | $-11,492 |
| $75,000 | $92,239 | $-17,239 |
| $100,000 | $122,985 | $-22,985 |
| $150,000 | $184,477 | $-34,477 |
| $200,000 | $245,969 | $-45,969 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Washington is 19% more expensive than South Dakota overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 91.8 for South Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Washington?
South Dakota is cheaper to live in. Washington is 19% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $285,000 in South Dakota vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is South Dakota cheaper than Washington?
Yes, South Dakota is 19% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than South Dakota?
Yes, Washington is 19% more expensive than South Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in South Dakota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in South Dakota, you would need approximately $122,985 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.8 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between South Dakota and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Dakota. Median home prices are $285,000 in South Dakota vs $580,000 in Washington — a $295,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,203/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in South Dakota vs Washington?
Housing is 27% lower in South Dakota (index 85.9 vs 118.3). Transportation is 25% lower in South Dakota (index 93.6 vs 124). Dining & Misc is 16% lower in South Dakota (index 93.4 vs 111.2).
Is gas cheaper in South Dakota or Washington?
Gas averages $3.10/gallon in South Dakota and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.59 difference per gallon.
South Dakota vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
South Dakota has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.8 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Washington is 19% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the South Dakota vs Washington 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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Dakota vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in South Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.