South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 7 categories
Wisconsin
Moderate tax burden · COL index 93
Wins 8 categories
South Dakota has no state income tax. Wisconsin's top rate is 7.65%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: Wisconsin averages 1.51% annually vs South Dakota's 1.08%.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
7
South Dakota
8
Wisconsin
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Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Wisconsin?
Overall cost of living in Madison, WI is 18.6% higher than in Sioux Falls, SD. The average listing price for a home in Madison, WI is $634,978, which is 50.7% higher than Sioux Falls, SD. The average cost of groceries in Madison, WI is 4.3% higher than Sioux Falls, SD.
Is moving to South Dakota a good idea?
Is South Dakota the best state to live in?
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!
Why would someone want to live in South Dakota?