Illinois
95.1
composite · rank #24
- Housing
- 84.7
- Grocery
- 99.2
- Utilities
- 102.6
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Illinois vs South Dakota Cost of Living
South Dakota has the lower cost of living by 1 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
South Dakota is lower
1 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Illinois is roughly $98,948 in South Dakota.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
South Dakota
94.1
composite · rank #23
- Housing
- 88.2
- Grocery
- 97.6
- Utilities
- 85.4
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Illinois | South Dakota | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 99.2 | 97.6 | South Dakota |
| Housing | 84.7 | 88.2 | Illinois |
| Utilities | 102.6 | 85.4 | South Dakota |
| Transportation | 97 | 100.1 | Illinois |
| Health care | 103 | 104.1 | Illinois |
| Misc. goods & services | 98.9 | 96.9 | South Dakota |
Grocery
Illinois99.2
South Dakota97.6
Lower cost: South Dakota
Housing
Illinois84.7
South Dakota88.2
Lower cost: Illinois
Utilities
Illinois102.6
South Dakota85.4
Lower cost: South Dakota
Transportation
Illinois97
South Dakota100.1
Lower cost: Illinois
Health care
Illinois103
South Dakota104.1
Lower cost: Illinois
Misc. goods & services
Illinois98.9
South Dakota96.9
Lower cost: South Dakota
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in South Dakota | Needed in Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,474 | $50,531 |
| $75,000 | $74,211 | $75,797 |
| $100,000 | $98,948 | $101,063 |
| $150,000 | $148,423 | $151,594 |
| $250,000 | $247,371 | $252,657 |
$50,000 origin salary
In South Dakota$49,474
In Illinois$50,531
$75,000 origin salary
In South Dakota$74,211
In Illinois$75,797
$100,000 origin salary
In South Dakota$98,948
In Illinois$101,063
$150,000 origin salary
In South Dakota$148,423
In Illinois$151,594
Housing gap
Illinois housing is 84.7; South Dakota is 88.2.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Illinois is roughly $98,948 in South Dakota.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Illinois vs South Dakota cost of living FAQs
South Dakota has the lower cost of living by 1 index points. The composite indexes are 95.1 in Illinois and 94.1 in South Dakota (US average = 100).
About $98,948 in South Dakota would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Illinois, based on the composite indexes.
About $101,063 in Illinois would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in South Dakota.
Housing indexes are 84.7 in Illinois and 88.2 in South Dakota. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
South Dakota has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.