Minnesota vs South Dakota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

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Annual salary

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Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $4,640/yr more in South Dakota

$387/mo · $178/paycheck more

Minnesota
South Dakota

$56,952/yr in Minnesota vs $61,593/yr in South Dakota.

Minnesota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,190.46

$56,952/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,6406%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,95276%
Tax rates
Effective: 24.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.8%

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 Minnesota is 2% higher than in South Dakota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,952 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $58,069 in South Dakota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, South Dakota comes out ahead by $3,524/yr.

Housing
Median home$330,000vs$285,000
Minnesota
16% more
South Dakota
Avg 2BR rent$1,128/movs$1,203/mo
Minnesota
South Dakota
7% more
Groceries
Index
Minnesota
3% more
South Dakota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.26/galvs$3.10/gal
Minnesota
5% more
South Dakota
Utilities
Electric bill$109/movs$96/mo
Minnesota
14% more
South Dakota
Healthcare
Index
Minnesota
South Dakota
4% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$22,569/yrvs$8,680/yr
Minnesota
160% 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

Minnesota: Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

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 Minnesota take-home South Dakota take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,415 $42,355 -$2,940
$75,000 $56,952 $61,593 -$4,640
$100,000 $72,840 $79,180 -$6,340
$150,000 $103,568 $113,791 -$10,223
$200,000 $134,446 $148,927 -$14,481
$300,000 $190,846 $215,177 -$24,331

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Minnesota or South Dakota?

At a $100,000 salary, South Dakota results in $6,340 more annual take-home pay. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%. 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 $2,940/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $10,223/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $24,331/yr.

Do Minnesota 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 Minnesota or South Dakota?

South Dakota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Minnesota is 7% higher than in South Dakota. Minnesota's Regional Price Parity is 98.2 and South Dakota's is 91.8 (US average = 100).

Is South Dakota cheaper than Minnesota?

Yes. South Dakota has a lower cost of living than Minnesota (index 91.8 vs 98.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Minnesota more expensive than South Dakota?

Yes. Minnesota has a higher cost of living (index 98.2) 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 $72,840 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $77,918 in South Dakota terms. Conversely, $79,180 in South Dakota equals $74,020 in Minnesota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Minnesota comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 6% different between Minnesota and South Dakota. Living costs are about 2% below the national average Living costs are 8% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Minnesota gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Minnesota 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

Minnesota Paycheck Estimator · South Dakota Paycheck Estimator · All states