Is Minnesota or South Dakota more expensive?

Minnesota is roughly $389/month more expensive for a single adult, based on rent and typical living costs.

Cost of Living: Minnesota vs South Dakota

Quick answer

South Dakota is cheaper for a single adult by about $389/month, mainly driven by rent.

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What this means in real life

The big differences between Minnesota and South Dakota come down to rent and tax. Groceries, transport, and utilities are usually within 10–15%; housing can swing the total by hundreds of dollars per month.

Minnesota

Housing (rent + insurance)

$1,300

42%

Transportation

$451

15%

Groceries

$395

13%

Utilities & internet

$183

Healthcare

$301

10%

Entertainment & dining

$207

Misc & personal

$263

Total: $3,100/mo

South Dakota

Housing (rent + insurance)

$950

35%

Transportation

$442

16%

Groceries

$386

14%

Utilities & internet

$179

Healthcare

$294

11%

Entertainment & dining

$202

Misc & personal

$258

10%

Total: $2,711/mo

Deep-dive each region

Full cost of living in Minnesota Full cost of living in South Dakota Average rent in Minnesota Average rent in South Dakota

Common questions

These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.