New York
High tax burden · COL index 139
Wins 6 categories
South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 10 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. New York's top rate is 10.9%. Cost of living in New York (index 139) runs 46% higher than South Dakota (index 95). Property taxes are meaningfully different: New York averages 1.4% annually vs South Dakota's 1.08%. The median home in New York costs $470K vs $310K in South Dakota.
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Category wins
6
New York
10
South Dakota
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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!
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