Cost of Living in South Dakota

Avg Index: 70

13 cities · Updated March 2026

$916
Avg Rent / Month
$66,995
Avg Income
$236,907
Avg Home Value
70
Avg Cost Index
0%
Income Tax
4.2%
Sales Tax
Cheapest in South Dakota
Mitchell
Index: 56 · Rent: $754/mo
Most Expensive in South Dakota
Box Elder
Index: 95 · Rent: $1,354/mo

South Dakota Cost of Living Overview

South Dakota is significantly more affordable than the national average, with a state-wide cost index of 70. The average monthly rent across South Dakota cities is $916, with median household incomes averaging $66,995 per year. The cheapest city is Mitchell (index 56) and the most expensive is Box Elder (index 95).

South Dakota has no state income tax, making it attractive for high earners. However, the 4.2% sales tax and 1.28% property tax rate offset some of those savings.

All 13 Cities in South Dakota — Ranked by Cost

Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)

#CityCost Index RentIncomeHome ValuePopulation
1 Mitchell 56 $754/mo $56,374 $182,000 15,637
2 Huron 57 $839/mo $51,556 $164,700 14,347
3 Vermillion 59 $728/mo $52,815 $210,200 11,800
4 Yankton 60 $780/mo $69,071 $202,300 15,501
5 Aberdeen 61 $783/mo $63,715 $205,500 28,297
6 Watertown 66 $904/mo $62,721 $212,300 22,859
7 Brookings 68 $862/mo $61,979 $243,600 23,710
8 Pierre 69 $936/mo $74,053 $219,500 14,008
9 Sioux Falls 78 $993/mo $74,714 $271,400 197,642
10 Spearfish 78 $941/mo $59,731 $309,200 12,551
11 Rapid 80 $1,053/mo $65,712 $270,000 76,836
12 Brandon 86 $989/mo $104,806 $317,300 10,996
13 Box Elder 95 $1,354/mo $73,698 $271,800 12,457

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cost of living in South Dakota

What is the cost of living in South Dakota?
The average cost of living index across 13 cities in South Dakota is 70 (US average = 100). Average rent is $916/month and median household income averages $66,995/year.
What is the cheapest city in South Dakota?
The cheapest city in South Dakota is Mitchell with a cost index of 56, median rent of $754/month, and median income of $56,374/year.
What is the most expensive city in South Dakota?
The most expensive city in South Dakota is Box Elder with a cost index of 95, median rent of $1,354/month, and median income of $73,698/year.
What are taxes like in South Dakota?
South Dakota has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 4.2%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.28%. There is no state income tax.
How many cities does CostToLive cover in South Dakota?
We track cost of living data for 13 cities in South Dakota with populations of 10,000 or more, using US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data.