South Dakota is a U.S. state in the Midwestern region of the United States. South Dakota is bordered by the states of North Dakota (to the north), Minnesota (to the east), Iowa (to the southeast), Nebraska (to the south), Wyoming (to the west), and Montana (to the northwest). Pierre is the state capital and Sioux Falls[sue falls], is the largest city. South Dakota has a population of just over 900,000.

South Dakota is an expansive, sparsely populated midwestern U.S. state where rolling prairies give way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. The Black Hills is home to 2 historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks: Mt. Rushmore, the iconic depiction of 4 revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader.

South Dakota has no income tax. Thus ANY income is not taxed. South Dakota also has a moderately low sales tax too, clocking in at around 6.40%. Property taxes are on the high end, around 1.21%. Not extraordinarily high but in the top 20 nationwide. However, South Dakota median property isn’t overly expensive so the actual dollars residents pay in property tax are in the bottom half of the country. All in all, no income tax, low sales tax, middling property tax, South Dakota is very favorable for retirees.

If you’re moving to South Dakota, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

South Dakota is at the heart of the United States in the most literal sense. Home to the geographical center of the country, South Dakota companies have swift access to all major U.S. regions thanks to a robust network of highways and railroads. Apart from being just a short distance from several major metros, seven commercial airports make it easy to stay globally connected while remaining locally invested.

There is no train service in South Dakota, but the state has decent coverage by long-distance coaches. Greyhound is perhaps the best bus company for people traveling from far away. Its network covers the entire country and can get you to Sioux Falls or Rapid City with just one or two connections.

South Dakota boasts a lower cost of living than the national average when it comes to health, housing, utilities, and transportation. With all of these savings, South Dakota residents gain a lot: … Affordable housing and premium healthcare with low traffic, congestion, and crime.

South Dakota has no state income tax and no corporate income tax and is considered by some to be one of the top tax-friendly states in the United States! This means that if you work in South Dakota, your paycheck will be free of taxes other than the federal income taxes. If you are retired, South Dakota does not tax any form of retirement income including Social Security benefits, offering a big advantage in having an affordable cost of living. South Dakota’s tax rates will make your take-home pay higher and provide more income for the basic cost of living purchases. South Dakota does, however, have a state and local combined 7.1% sales tax. The property taxes in South Dakota are higher than other low tax-friendly states, but overall South Dakota has a lot to offer as a tax-friendly state.

Energy is one of the costs that contribute to the cost of living in a state. The cost of your utilities may fluctuate based on weather conditions. South Dakota is noted as a state that has some of the worst winter weather in the U.S. Snow, bitterly cold temperatures, storms, and strong winds can force you indoors for days on end. This typical winter weather can drive your energy costs and cost of living higher than in states with a milder climate. Expect to pay more for your utility bills during the winter months.