Cost of Living in Buffalo County, SD

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Buffalo County? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — South Dakota levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,204/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Buffalo County metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $48,311, or roughly $4,026 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Buffalo County represents approximately 21% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings. South Dakota's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.