Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
South Dakota's overall cost of living index is 92.4, meaning costs are roughly 7.6% below the national average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 88.6 | 100 |
- •South Dakota has no state personal income tax, helping lower overall living costs.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in South Dakota score 88 on the cost of living index, well below the national baseline of 100.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 67.6 | 100 |
- •Housing is one of the most affordable major expense categories in South Dakota.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in South Dakota register 97 on the cost of living index, with electricity priced at 11.4 cents per kWh, well below the national rate.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Midwest region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU020072610).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 79.7 | 100 |
| Electricity rate (¢/kWh) | 11.4 | 16.5 |
- •Wind power supplies 55% of South Dakota's electricity generation.
Food Costs
Grocery costs in South Dakota score 97 on the cost of living index, close to but still slightly below the national average.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAF1).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 95.5 | 100 |
- •Food costs in South Dakota track close to the national average despite the state's rural geography.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in South Dakota score 101 on the cost of living index, slightly above the national baseline, with Sanford Health and Avera Health as major providers.
Medical care price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAM).
- •Sanford Health and Avera Health are South Dakota's largest healthcare employers.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in South Dakota score 92 on the cost of living index, aided by a short average commute of 17.6 minutes.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Midwest region (PADD 2), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R20_DPG).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.11 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
| Mean commute time (minutes) | 17.6 | 26.8 |
- •South Dakota's mean commute of 17.6 minutes is among the shortest in the country.