Idaho vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $4,271/yr more in South Dakota

$356/mo · $164/paycheck more

Idaho
South Dakota

$57,321/yr in Idaho vs $61,593/yr in South Dakota.

Idaho

Take-home per paycheck

$2,204.66

$57,321/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,2716%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,32176%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

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 Idaho is 8% higher than in South Dakota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,321 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $62,004 in South Dakota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Idaho comes out ahead by $412/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$285,000
Idaho
47% more
South Dakota
Avg 2BR rent$1,404/movs$1,203/mo
Idaho
17% more
South Dakota
Groceries
Index
Idaho
1% more
South Dakota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.10/gal
Idaho
10% more
South Dakota
Utilities
Electric bill$84/movs$96/mo
Idaho
South Dakota
14% more
Healthcare
Index
Idaho
South Dakota
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,630/yrvs$8,680/yr
Idaho
11% 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

Idaho: Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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 Idaho take-home South Dakota take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,508 $42,355 -$2,847
$75,000 $57,321 $61,593 -$4,271
$100,000 $73,485 $79,180 -$5,695
$150,000 $105,249 $113,791 -$8,542
$200,000 $137,537 $148,927 -$11,390
$300,000 $198,092 $215,177 -$17,085

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Idaho or South Dakota?

At a $100,000 salary, South Dakota results in $5,695 more annual take-home pay. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. 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 $2,848/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $8,543/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $17,085/yr.

Do Idaho 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 Idaho or South Dakota?

South Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Idaho is 4% higher than in South Dakota. Idaho's Regional Price Parity is 95.9 and South Dakota's is 91.8 (US average = 100).

Is South Dakota cheaper than Idaho?

Yes. South Dakota has a lower cost of living than Idaho (index 91.8 vs 95.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Idaho more expensive than South Dakota?

Yes. Idaho has a higher cost of living (index 95.9) compared to South Dakota (index 91.8). 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 $73,485 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $76,767 in South Dakota terms. Conversely, $79,180 in South Dakota equals $75,795 in Idaho terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Idaho comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 4% different between Idaho and South Dakota. Living costs are about 4% below the national average Living costs are 8% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Idaho gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Idaho 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

Idaho Paycheck Estimator · South Dakota Paycheck Estimator · All states