Rapid City Sales Tax
South Dakota. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in South Dakota
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of South Dakota, including Rapid City.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Taxed (full rate) | Reduced from 4.5% to 4.2% in 2023 (applies statewide) |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.64 | $10.64 |
| $50 | $3.20 | $53.20 |
| $100 | $6.40 | $106.40 |
| $250 | $16.00 | $266.00 |
| $500 | $32.00 | $532.00 |
| $1,000 | $64.00 | $1064.00 |
| $5,000 | $320.00 | $5320.00 |
| $10,000 | $640.00 | $10640.00 |
Border shopping — neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighboring state with lower sales tax can save real money. Top metro sales tax in each contiguous neighbor of South Dakota.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Rapid City | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | Rapid City | 6.40% | — | — |
| Montana | Billings | 0.00% | -6.40% | $64.00 |
| Wyoming | Casper | 5.00% | -1.40% | $14.00 |
| North Dakota | Bismarck | 7.00% | +0.60% | — |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 7.00% | +0.60% | — |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 7.00% | +0.60% | — |
| Minnesota | Rochester | 8.13% | +1.73% | — |
Use tax (state where you live) may still apply on out-of-state purchases for items shipped or for registered goods like vehicles. For everyday retail walked across the border, savings are realized at point of sale.
Other cities in South Dakota
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Rapid City?
- Rapid City, South Dakota charges a combined sales tax of 6.40%. That's 4.20% state tax plus 2.20% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Rapid City?
- Yes — South Dakota taxes groceries at the full rate. Reduced from 4.5% to 4.2% in 2023 (applies statewide)
- Is clothing taxed in Rapid City?
- Yes — South Dakota taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 6.40%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Rapid City?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (prescription drugs), (3) drive across the border if a nearby state has a lower rate.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local sales tax rates change frequently and may include special district levies not modeled here. Verify with the retailer or local taxing authority for large purchases. Category exemption rules and tax holidays change by year — check the South Dakota Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → South Dakota state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy