Compare states / South Dakota / to North Dakota
SD → ND
Moving from South Dakota to North Dakota
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
South Dakota vs North Dakota using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| South Dakota | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 0.0% | 2.5% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 6.11% | 7.09% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 1.16% | 0.98% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | No | No |
| Median home value | $322,999 | $289,692 |
| Tax when you title a car | 4.20% | 5.00% |
| State parks | 13 | 13 |
| National parks | 2 | 1 |
| Population density | 12.0/sq mi | 12.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 362.3 | 254.3 |
| Demographics | 80.5% White (non-Hispanic) 4.7% Hispanic 2.2% Black 1.5% Asian | 82.6% White (non-Hispanic) 4.6% Hispanic 3.4% Black 1.7% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 90 | 60 |
| Days to title a car | 90 | 30 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from South Dakota to North Dakota?
South Dakota: No personal income tax. North Dakota: Top listed rate 2.5%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $0 in South Dakota vs $1,395 in North Dakota. If you earned in both states this year, see SD tax agency and ND tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from South Dakota to North Dakota?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 0.0% vs 2.5%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in North Dakota
New North Dakota residents typically have 30 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 5.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,451.00 (tax $1,400.00 + title $5.00 + registration $36.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in North Dakota
Title fee + plate + base registration + 5.00% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in North Dakota
After you become a North Dakota resident, you typically have 60 days to get a North Dakota driver license. Bring your South Dakota license, Social Security number, and proof you live in North Dakota. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official North Dakota DMV. South Dakota plates are not a substitute for North Dakota registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new North Dakota residents from South Dakota
- Get a ND driver license within 60 days. Bring your SD license, Social Security number, and proof you live in North Dakota (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official North Dakota DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 30 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. North Dakota elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. SD tax agency · ND tax agency.
- Both South Dakota and North Dakota are in the nurse compact — a multistate license can follow you. Confirm with the board of nursing if you are changing primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from South Dakota to North Dakota
- North Dakota taxes wages (top listed 2.5%). South Dakota does not tax wages.
- Title the car in North Dakota within 30 days. South Dakota plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- New North Dakota residents typically have 60 days to get a driver license (90 days is the South Dakota window in this file).
- North Dakota title-tax rate used here is 5.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,451.00 (county extras omitted).
- Effective real-estate property tax: 1.16% in South Dakota vs 0.98% in North Dakota.
Common questions
How does sales tax in North Dakota compare to South Dakota?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 6.11% in South Dakota vs 7.09% in North Dakota. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from South Dakota to North Dakota?
South Dakota does not tax wages; North Dakota taxes wages (top listed 2.5%). Moving this direction usually means a new or higher state income-tax bill. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $0 in South Dakota vs $1,395 in North Dakota. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in South Dakota vs North Dakota?
South Dakota has 13 state parks and 2 national parks in this file. North Dakota has 13 state parks and 1 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in North Dakota compare to South Dakota?
Population density is 12.0 people per square mile in South Dakota vs 12.0 in North Dakota.
How do South Dakota and North Dakota compare on demographics?
South Dakota: 80.5% White (non-Hispanic), 4.7% Hispanic, 2.2% Black, 1.5% Asian. North Dakota: 82.6% White (non-Hispanic), 4.6% Hispanic, 3.4% Black, 1.7% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to North Dakota and the reverse route, North Dakota → South Dakota.
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