Massachusetts
High tax burden · COL index 148
Wins 7 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 8 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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Housing & Cost of Living
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Healthcare
Education
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Utilities & Daily Costs
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Category wins
7
Massachusetts
8
South Dakota
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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!