Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
North Dakota vs South Dakota comes down to what you value. South Dakota is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 0% lower than North Dakota, so the same paycheck stretches further. South Dakota ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#14 vs #23), balancing cost against quality of life. North Dakota is strongest on air quality and weakest on climate; South Dakota is strongest on air quality and weakest on climate.
| Metric | North Dakota | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 0.84 16% below average | 0.84 16% below average |
| Best Life Rank | #23 | #14 |
| Cost of living | #9 | #8 |
| Climate | #47 | #46 |
| Healthcare | #20 | #21 |
| Schools | #24 | #25 |
| Safety | #18 | #37 |
| Economy | #32 | #18 |
| Air quality | #8 | #4 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in North Dakota, you'd need about $99,500 in South Dakota.
To live the way $100,000 does in South Dakota, you'd need about $100,500 in North Dakota.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $64,720 in North Dakota and $65,110 in South Dakota after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the North Dakota paycheck calculator or the South Dakota paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after North Dakota taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after South Dakota taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›South Dakota is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 0% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 0.84 versus 0.84. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, South Dakota ranks higher (#14 vs #23). But 'better' depends on your priorities, North Dakota leads on safety while South Dakota leads on air quality.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in North Dakota is roughly equivalent to $99,500 in South Dakota for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.