Iowa
Moderate tax burden · COL index 88
Wins 8 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 7 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. Iowa's top rate is 3.8%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: Iowa averages 1.42% annually vs South Dakota's 1.08%. The median home in South Dakota costs $310K vs $215K in Iowa.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Iowa
7
South Dakota
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Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or South Dakota?
Iowa is 15.7% more expensive than South Dakota. The cost of childcare, entertainment and sports, restaurants, housing, and transportation in Iowa are more expensive than in South Dakota. Expenses including groceries and clothing are lower in Iowa. Notably, childcare is significantly more expensive in Iowa.
Is moving to South Dakota a good idea?
South Dakotans benefit benefits from a lower cost of living than the national average in the categories of health, housing, utilities and transportation. This is a contributing factor for our recently being ranked by Gallup-Healthways Well-being Index as the third best state for overall well-being and happiness.
What are the pros of living in Iowa?
Iowa is packed with job opportunities in cutting-edge industries like health care, finance and education technology. Entrepreneurs and businesses flock here for the low tax rates, strong local talent pool, and collaborative and creative culture.
Is South Dakota the best state to live in?
South Dakota ranked in the 10 best states in America for 2025 by U.S. News. 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!