South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 8 categories
Wyoming
Low tax burden · COL index 101
Wins 5 categories
Neither South Dakota nor Wyoming levies a state income tax. Property taxes are meaningfully different: South Dakota averages 1.08% annually vs Wyoming's 0.55%.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
South Dakota
5
Wyoming
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What is the downfall of living in Wyoming?
Is moving to South Dakota a good idea?
Is S Dakota Republican?
Several Democrats represented South Dakota for multiple terms in both chambers of Congress, but the state government is largely controlled by the Republican Party, whose nominees have won the state in each of the last 14 presidential elections.
Is South Dakota or Wyoming better for retirees?
In its 2026 report, the top three states were Wyoming, Florida, and South Dakota. All three ranked highly for affordability, and Florida also placed first for quality of life. One key factor they share: favorable tax policies. None of the three states levies a personal income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax.