Side-by-side tax comparison between South Dakota (no income tax) and Vermont (8.75% top rate).
| Salary | South Dakota | Vermont | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $42,298 | $39,016 | −$3,281 | South Dakota |
| $75K | $61,303 | $56,381 | −$4,922 | South Dakota |
| $100K | $78,890 | $72,328 | −$6,563 | South Dakota |
| $150K | $113,446 | $103,602 | −$9,844 | South Dakota |
| $200K | $149,103 | $135,978 | −$13,125 | South Dakota |
South Dakota offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. With no state income tax, South Dakota gives you a significant advantage over Vermont's 8.75% top rate. At $100K, the difference is $6,563/year — that’s $547/month.
However, cost of living matters. South Dakota has a cost index of 92 while Vermont is at 105. After adjusting for cost of living, the gap narrows significantly.