Massachusetts
High tax burden · COL index 148
Wins 6 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 7 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. Massachusetts's top rate is 9%. Cost of living in Massachusetts (index 148) runs 56% higher than South Dakota (index 95). The median home in Massachusetts costs $580K vs $310K in South Dakota. Politically, South Dakota voted Republican in 2024 (R+27.0) while Massachusetts went Democratic (D+28.0).
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Category wins
6
Massachusetts
7
South Dakota
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What is the downfall of living in Massachusetts?
Is moving to South Dakota a good idea?
Is South Dakota a good place to live? South Dakota is a good place to live for those who cherish a quieter, nature-centric lifestyle. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning landscapes like the Black Hills and Badlands, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife exploration.
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!
What is the signature dish of South Dakota?
Chislic (or sometimes chislick) is a dish consisting of skewered cubes of red meat, usually mutton or lamb, although game meats such as venison and even beef steak can be used. Most commonly associated with the state of South Dakota, chislic was declared the official state "nosh" of South Dakota in March 2018.