Mississippi
Moderate tax burden · COL index 82
Wins 7 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 6 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. Mississippi's top rate is 4.7%. Cost of living in South Dakota (index 95) runs 16% higher than Mississippi (index 82). Property taxes are meaningfully different: South Dakota averages 1.08% annually vs Mississippi's 0.64%. The median home in South Dakota costs $310K vs $180K in Mississippi.
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Category wins
7
Mississippi
6
South Dakota
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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.
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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!
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