Relocation Guide
Moving to South Dakota
Everything you need to buy FSBO and relocate to South Dakota without paying a buyer's agent commission.
$240,000
Median Home Price
92
Cost of Living Index
Below Average
vs. National Average
None
State Income Tax
Cost of Relocating to South Dakota
The median home price in South Dakota is $240,000. That's well below the roughly $330,300 median across the states in this guide — one of the more affordable relocation options. Its cost of living index is 92 — below average. South Dakota is also one of only 9 states with no state income tax, which meaningfully changes the take-home math on relocating for a job.
Climate
Continental — very cold winters, warm summers, low humidity, wide temperature swings
Why People Move to South Dakota
South Dakota has no state income tax, no inheritance tax, and some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S.
Popular Cities
- Sioux Falls
- Rapid City
- Aberdeen
FSBO Tips for South Dakota
- Search owner-listed homes on Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace — many FSBO sellers skip the MLS entirely.
- Hire a real estate attorney or title company in South Dakota to handle the purchase contract and closing documents.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage before making offers. Sellers prefer buyers who can close quickly.
- Request a home inspection even when buying directly from an owner — it is your main protection against undisclosed defects.
Buying Long-Distance
Relocating means you're often making an offer, and sometimes closing, before you've set foot in the state. A local title company or closing attorney can handle a remote or mail-away closing — documents get notarized wherever you are and shipped back, so you don't need to fly in for signing day. If timing is tight, a power of attorney lets someone local sign on your behalf for the final closing. Whatever you do, don't waive the inspection to compete on speed just because you're buying from out of state — that's exactly when an in-person, unbiased set of eyes on the property matters most.