Arkansas vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $3,177/yr more in South Dakota

$265/mo · $122/paycheck more

Arkansas
South Dakota

$58,416/yr in Arkansas vs $61,593/yr in South Dakota.

Arkansas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,246.76

$58,416/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,1774%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,41678%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.4%

South Dakota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Arkansas is 2% lower than in South Dakota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,416 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $57,334 in South Dakota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, South Dakota comes out ahead by $4,259/yr.

Housing
Median home$195,000vs$285,000
Arkansas
South Dakota
46% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,103/movs$1,203/mo
Arkansas
South Dakota
9% more
Groceries
Index
Arkansas
South Dakota
4% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.05/galvs$3.10/gal
Arkansas
South Dakota
2% more
Utilities
Electric bill$85/movs$96/mo
Arkansas
South Dakota
13% more
Healthcare
Index
Arkansas
South Dakota
22% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$8,873/yrvs$8,680/yr
Arkansas
2% more
South Dakota

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Arkansas: Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%.

South Dakota: South Dakota has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Arkansas take-home South Dakota take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,278 $42,355 -$2,077
$75,000 $58,416 $61,593 -$3,177
$100,000 $74,903 $79,180 -$4,277
$150,000 $107,314 $113,791 -$6,477
$200,000 $140,250 $148,927 -$8,677
$300,000 $202,100 $215,177 -$13,077

Positive values mean higher take-home in Arkansas. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arkansas or South Dakota?

At a $100,000 salary, South Dakota results in $4,277 more annual take-home pay. Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%. South Dakota has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

How much more do you take home in South Dakota vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,077/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $6,477/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $13,077/yr.

Do Arkansas and South Dakota have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or South Dakota?

Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arkansas is 5% lower than in South Dakota. Arkansas's Regional Price Parity is 87 and South Dakota's is 91.8 (US average = 100).

Is Arkansas cheaper than South Dakota?

Yes. Arkansas has a lower cost of living than South Dakota (index 87 vs 91.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is South Dakota more expensive than Arkansas?

Yes. South Dakota has a higher cost of living (index 91.8) compared to Arkansas (index 87). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,903 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $70,987 in South Dakota terms. Conversely, $79,180 in South Dakota equals $83,549 in Arkansas terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, South Dakota comes out ahead.

Arkansas vs South Dakota cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 5% different between Arkansas and South Dakota. Living costs are 13% below the national average Living costs are 8% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, South Dakota gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Arkansas and South Dakota?

Arkansas requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Arkansas Paycheck Estimator · South Dakota Paycheck Estimator · All states