Cost of Living in South Dakota
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 438 cities in SD. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in South Dakota is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in South Dakota, with comparisons to national averages.
South Dakota's average home value of $103,715 is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $51,661, and average monthly rent is $391.
Most Affordable Cities in South Dakota
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huron | $164,700 | $839/mo | $51,556 | 14,347 |
| 2 | Mitchell | $182,000 | $754/mo | $56,374 | 15,637 |
| 3 | Belle Fourche | $188,800 | $947/mo | $59,920 | 5,741 |
| 4 | Madison | $191,400 | $874/mo | $62,180 | 6,158 |
| 5 | Yankton | $202,300 | $780/mo | $69,071 | 15,501 |
| 6 | Aberdeen | $205,500 | $783/mo | $63,715 | 28,297 |
| 7 | Vermillion | $210,200 | $728/mo | $52,815 | 11,800 |
| 8 | Watertown | $212,300 | $904/mo | $62,721 | 22,859 |
| 9 | Pierre | $219,500 | $936/mo | $74,053 | 14,008 |
| 10 | Rapid Valley | $226,300 | $1,263/mo | $85,217 | 7,153 |
| 11 | Sturgis | $236,400 | $815/mo | $51,101 | 7,111 |
| 12 | Brookings | $243,600 | $862/mo | $61,979 | 23,710 |
| 13 | Rapid City | $270,000 | $1,053/mo | $65,712 | 76,836 |
| 14 | Sioux Falls | $271,400 | $993/mo | $74,714 | 197,642 |
| 15 | Box Elder | $271,800 | $1,354/mo | $73,698 | 12,457 |
Most Expensive Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandon | $317,300 | $989/mo | $104,806 | 10,996 |
| 2 | Spearfish | $309,200 | $941/mo | $59,731 | 12,551 |
| 3 | Tea | $305,300 | $1,113/mo | $104,643 | 6,339 |
| 4 | Harrisburg | $281,400 | $1,349/mo | $101,534 | 7,790 |
| 5 | Box Elder | $271,800 | $1,354/mo | $73,698 | 12,457 |
| 6 | Sioux Falls | $271,400 | $993/mo | $74,714 | 197,642 |
| 7 | Rapid City | $270,000 | $1,053/mo | $65,712 | 76,836 |
| 8 | Brookings | $243,600 | $862/mo | $61,979 | 23,710 |
| 9 | Sturgis | $236,400 | $815/mo | $51,101 | 7,111 |
| 10 | Rapid Valley | $226,300 | $1,263/mo | $85,217 | 7,153 |
Highest Income Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandon | $104,806 | $317,300 | 10,996 |
| 2 | Tea | $104,643 | $305,300 | 6,339 |
| 3 | Harrisburg | $101,534 | $281,400 | 7,790 |
| 4 | Rapid Valley | $85,217 | $226,300 | 7,153 |
| 5 | Sioux Falls | $74,714 | $271,400 | 197,642 |
| 6 | Pierre | $74,053 | $219,500 | 14,008 |
| 7 | Box Elder | $73,698 | $271,800 | 12,457 |
| 8 | Yankton | $69,071 | $202,300 | 15,501 |
| 9 | Rapid City | $65,712 | $270,000 | 76,836 |
| 10 | Aberdeen | $63,715 | $205,500 | 28,297 |
Cost of Living FAQ — South Dakota
What is the average cost of living in South Dakota?
The average median home value across South Dakota cities is $103,715, with average rent of $391/month. The average median household income is $51,661.
What are the cheapest cities in South Dakota?
The most affordable cities in South Dakota by home value include Huron ($164,700), Mitchell ($182,000), Belle Fourche ($188,800).
What is the most expensive city in South Dakota?
The most expensive city in South Dakota is Brandon with a median home value of $317,300.
How does South Dakota compare to the national average?
South Dakota's average home value of $103,715 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $391/month is below the US average of $1,163.