Florida
Low tax burden · COL index 103
Wins 3 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 10 categories
Neither Florida nor South Dakota levies a state income tax. Property taxes are meaningfully different: South Dakota averages 1.08% annually vs Florida's 0.77%. The median home in Florida costs $415K vs $310K in South Dakota.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
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Utilities & Daily Costs
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Category wins
3
Florida
10
South Dakota
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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!