South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 7 categories
Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 102
Wins 6 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. Virginia's top rate is 5.75%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: South Dakota averages 1.08% annually vs Virginia's 0.74%. The median home in Virginia costs $390K vs $310K in South Dakota. Politically, South Dakota voted Republican in 2024 (R+27.0) while Virginia went Democratic (D+3.0).
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Category wins
7
South Dakota
6
Virginia
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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!
What is the downfall of living in Virginia?
Is South Dakota mainly Republican or Democrat?
United States presidential elections in South Dakota
Is $20 an hour good in South Dakota?
The average pay range for a 20 An Hour varies little (about 12500), which suggests that regardless of location, there are not many opportunities for increased pay or advancement, even with several years of experience. South Dakota ranks number 50 out of 50 states nationwide for 20 An Hour salaries.