Stretching across the Great Plains, South Dakota is full of wide-open spaces and rugged landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Sioux Falls, with its growing food scene and downtown events, or the historic appeal of Rapid City, a gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, there’s plenty to explore. Life here revolves around the outdoors, from hiking in Custer State Park to fishing along the Missouri River, but winters can be harsh, and rural isolation isn’t for everyone. In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of living in South Dakota, so you can decide if South Dakota is a good place to live for you.
Renting in South Dakota snapshot
| Population | 924,669 |
| Avg. studio rent | $591 per month |
| Avg. one-bedroom rent | $720 per month |
| Avg. two-bedroom rent | $846 per month |
| Most affordable cities to rent in South Dakota | Watertown, Pierre, Aberdeen |
| Most walkable cities in South Dakota | Aberdeen, Brookings, Sioux Falls |
1. Pro: Abundant outdoor adventures
If you love the outdoors, South Dakota is like having a national park in your backyard. The Black Hills are packed with trails that lead to breathtaking views, hidden caves, and herds of bison. Custer State Park is perfect for hiking, camping, and spotting wildlife, while the Badlands feel like another planet with their towering rock formations and fossil beds. Fishing and boating along the Missouri River are weekend staples, and if you’re into climbing, the Needles Highway has some of the best rock faces in the Midwest.
2. Con: Brutal winters with blizzards and windchill
Winter in South Dakota isn’t just about shoveling snow—it’s about surviving some of the harshest conditions in the country. Temperatures can plummet to -30°F, and when the wind kicks up, it feels even worse. Cities like Pierre and Aberdeen frequently deal with whiteout conditions, making driving a nightmare. Rural areas can be snowed in for days, and if you don’t have a garage, you might spend half your morning scraping ice off your windshield.
3. Pro: Low cost of living with affordable housing
The cost of living in South Dakota won’t drain your bank account like coastal cities do. The median home sale price in Sioux Falls hovers around $310,000, and a one-bedroom rental averages just $939. Even in Rapid City, where tourism keeps prices slightly higher, housing remains below the national average. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are all on the cheaper side too. Additionally, with no state income tax, your paycheck stretches further, making it easier to afford a home, take weekend trips, or invest in a few more rounds of chislic—the state’s signature fried meat dish.
4. Con: Limited social scene outside major cities
If you’re used to late-night entertainment and a revolving door of new restaurants, South Dakota might feel a little quiet. Larger cities like Sioux Falls has a growing craft beer scene, live music venues, and a few great steakhouses, but smaller towns have fewer options. In places like Huron or Yankton, most social events revolve around high school football games, county fairs, or the occasional street dance. That said, if you enjoy community festivals, rodeos, and hunting season celebrations, you’ll find plenty of local events to keep you entertained.
5. Pro: Small-town feel
People in South Dakota look out for each other. It’s the kind of place where neighbors still help shovel each other’s driveways and local diners remember your usual order. Towns like Mitchell throw events like the Corn Palace Festival, bringing everyone together with parades and concerts. In small communities, if you show up at a high school football game, you’ll probably end up chatting with half the town by the time you leave. Whether it’s a charity event or a volunteer fire department fundraiser, South Dakotans take pride in showing up for one another.
6. Con: Almost nonexistent public transportation
If you don’t have a car, getting around South Dakota can be a challenge. Sioux Falls has a small public bus system, but it’s limited, with infrequent routes and early shutdown times. Rural areas? Forget about it. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are unreliable outside of major cities, and if you need to travel between towns, your best bet is to hitch a ride with a friend or invest in a reliable vehicle. The upside? You’ll never have to battle rush-hour subway crowds or deal with surge pricing.
7. Pro: Stress-free driving with minimal traffic
Say goodbye to gridlock and bumper-to-bumper commutes. Even in Sioux Falls, you can get across town in 15 minutes, and in smaller cities like Brookings or Spearfish, rush hour barely exists. Road trips are a dream, whether you’re cruising through the Badlands or winding through the Black Hills on the Needles Highway. With fewer cars on the road, driving is more relaxing, and finding a parking spot is rarely a hassle. Just keep an eye out for deer—they have a habit of darting across highways at the worst possible moment.
8. Con: Rural isolation can feel lonely
The wide-open spaces that make South Dakota beautiful can also make it feel empty. In small towns, the nearest big-box store might be an hour away, and your closest neighbor could live miles down the road. Internet access can be spotty in some areas, and if you’re used to a fast-paced urban environment, the slow, quiet nights might take some adjusting.
9. Pro: tax-friendly state with no sales income tax
One of the biggest financial perks of living in South Dakota is keeping more of your paycheck. The state has no personal income tax, which makes it a good place to live if you’re looking to save money. This tax-friendly setup has also drawn businesses, especially in financial services, helping create jobs in cities like Sioux Falls. Whether you’re earning, saving, or investing, your money goes further here than in many other states.
10. Con: The Economy relies on agriculture and tourism
South Dakota’s economy is tied to industries that can be unpredictable. Agriculture dominates much of the state, and farmers in places like Huron and Mitchell depend on weather conditions and market prices that fluctuate. Meanwhile, cities like Deadwood and Spearfish rely on tourists coming to see Mount Rushmore. When crop prices drop or visitor numbers decline, local businesses feel the strain. If you work in an industry outside these sectors, job opportunities may be limited, especially in smaller towns.
11. Pro: Adventure in every corner
South Dakota isn’t just about rolling prairies—it’s packed with places that make you feel like an explorer. Drive through the Badlands and you’ll swear you’ve landed on Mars. Visit the annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park, where hundreds of bison thunder across the plains, kicking up dust as cowboys and park rangers herd them. Even roadside attractions like Wall Drug, with its 80-foot dinosaur and free ice water, make road trips more interesting.
12. Con: The challenge of feeling disconnected
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide.
