South Dakota vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

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Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $2,952/yr more in South Dakota

$246/mo · $114/paycheck more

South Dakota
West Virginia

$61,593/yr in South Dakota vs $58,641/yr in West Virginia.

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%

West Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,255.42

$58,641/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,9524%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,64178%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in South Dakota is 4% higher than in West Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $61,593 in South Dakota has the purchasing power of $64,252 in West Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, South Dakota comes out ahead by $5,611/yr.

Housing
Median home$285,000vs$170,000
South Dakota
68% more
West Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,203/movs$997/mo
South Dakota
21% more
West Virginia
Groceries
Index
South Dakota
1% more
West Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.10/galvs$3.41/gal
South Dakota
West Virginia
10% more
Utilities
Electric bill$96/movs$98/mo
South Dakota
West Virginia
2% more
Healthcare
Index
South Dakota
12% more
West Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$8,680/yrvs$9,692/yr
South Dakota
West Virginia
12% more

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

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

West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

Salary South Dakota take-home West Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $42,355 $40,644 + $1,712
$75,000 $61,593 $58,641 + $2,952
$100,000 $79,180 $74,949 + $4,232
$150,000 $113,791 $107,000 + $6,792
$200,000 $148,927 $139,576 + $9,352
$300,000 $215,177 $200,705 + $14,472

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, South Dakota or West Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, South Dakota results in $4,232 more annual take-home pay. South Dakota has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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 $1,712/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $6,792/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $14,472/yr.

Do South Dakota and West Virginia 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 South Dakota or West Virginia?

West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in South Dakota is 6% higher than in West Virginia. South Dakota's Regional Price Parity is 91.8 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).

Is West Virginia cheaper than South Dakota?

Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than South Dakota (index 86.7 vs 91.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is South Dakota more expensive than West Virginia?

Yes. South Dakota has a higher cost of living (index 91.8) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). 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 $79,180 in South Dakota has the purchasing power of $83,838 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $70,785 in South Dakota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, South Dakota comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 5% different between South Dakota and West Virginia. Living costs are 8% below the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US 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 South Dakota and West Virginia?

South Dakota has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. West Virginia requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. 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

South Dakota Paycheck Estimator · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states