Cost of Living: Montana vs South Dakota
Quick answer
South Dakota is cheaper for a single adult by about $342/month, mainly driven by rent.
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What this means in real life
The big differences between Montana 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.
Montana
Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,100
36%
Transportation
$490
16%
Groceries
$428
14%
Utilities & internet
$199
7%
Healthcare
$326
11%
Entertainment & dining
$224
7%
Misc & personal
$286
9%
Total: $3,053/mo
South Dakota
Housing (rent + insurance)
$950
35%
Transportation
$442
16%
Groceries
$386
14%
Utilities & internet
$179
7%
Healthcare
$294
11%
Entertainment & dining
$202
7%
Misc & personal
$258
10%
Total: $2,711/mo
Deep-dive each region
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.