Alabama
Moderate tax burden · COL index 87
Wins 5 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 10 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. Alabama's top rate is 5%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: South Dakota averages 1.08% annually vs Alabama's 0.39%. The median home in South Dakota costs $310K vs $218K in Alabama.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
5
Alabama
10
South Dakota
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Is moving to South Dakota a good idea?
Is South Dakota the best state to live in?
With beautiful landscapes, plenty of opportunity, and a top-notch quality of life, we've long thought South Dakota was one of the best states in America. In fact, U.S. News has ranked South Dakota as the 8th best state in America for 2025!
Is Alabama considered a good state to live in?
Why would someone want to live in South Dakota?