Cheapest Places to Live in South Dakota

South Dakota, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich history, offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial highlight the state's attractions. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. South Dakota's tax structure is quite favorable, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes, enhancing the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, South Dakota remains one of the more affordable states in the central region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and favorable tax policies makes South Dakota an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in South Dakota can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in South Dakota include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and community spirit, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Huron Population: 13,289 7% cheaper than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $106,300 Med. Rent: $702 Med. Household Inc.: $48,374

With a cost of living index that is 7% cheaper than the state average, Huron is the cheapest place to live in South Dakota. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Huron provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Madison Population: 7,249 5% cheaper than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $124,300 Med. Rent: $664 Med. Household Inc.: $54,861

The second most affordable city in South Dakota is Madison and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 5% cheaper than the South Dakota average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Mitchell Population: 15,599 1% cheaper than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $147,400 Med. Rent: $715 Med. Household Inc.: $45,318

Mitchell lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in South Dakota, with a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Yankton Population: 14,619 1% cheaper than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $155,000 Med. Rent: $630 Med. Household Inc.: $54,278

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Yankton offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Vermillion Population: 10,852 equal to South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $158,800 Med. Rent: $727 Med. Household Inc.: $43,750

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Vermillion is ideal, with a cost of living that is equal to the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the South Dakota average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Belle Fourche Population: 5,628 2% more expensive than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $130,900 Med. Rent: $768 Med. Household Inc.: $48,212

Belle Fourche comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in South Dakota and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 2% more expensive than South Dakota. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Aberdeen Population: 28,315 2% more expensive than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $169,400 Med. Rent: $669 Med. Household Inc.: $56,455

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Aberdeen is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Watertown Population: 22,249 3% more expensive than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $175,600 Med. Rent: $760 Med. Household Inc.: $52,145

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Watertown fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 3% more expensive than South Dakota.

Brookings Population: 24,479 4% more expensive than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $187,100 Med. Rent: $763 Med. Household Inc.: $53,845

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Brookings is one of the most affordable cities in South Dakota, and has a cost of living that is 4% more expensive than the state average.

Pierre Population: 13,908 4% more expensive than South Dakota average

Med. Home Value: $180,800 Med. Rent: $732 Med. Household Inc.: $68,263

With a cost of living that is 4% more expensive than South Dakota, Pierre comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in South Dakota. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in South Dakota

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Huron	13,289	83	$106,300	$48,374
2	Madison	7,249	85	$124,300	$54,861
3	Mitchell	15,599	88	$147,400	$45,318
4	Yankton	14,619	88	$155,000	$54,278
5	Vermillion	10,852	89	$158,800	$43,750
6	Belle Fourche	5,628	90	$130,900	$48,212
7	Aberdeen	28,315	91	$169,400	$56,455
8	Watertown	22,249	91	$175,600	$52,145
9	Brookings	24,479	93	$187,100	$53,845
10	Pierre	13,908	93	$180,800	$68,263
11	Sturgis	6,914	93	$158,400	$43,679
12	Sioux Falls	180,927	95	$205,100	$61,738
13	Rapid Valley	8,553	97	$163,400	$64,564
14	Harrisburg	6,420	98	$210,200	$78,826
15	Rapid City	76,541	98	$194,100	$53,760
16	Tea	5,714	99	$224,800	$89,452
17	Box Elder	9,937	99	$186,000	$56,429
18	Brandon	10,030	101	$245,500	$93,536
19	Spearfish	11,702	101	$223,200	$50,072

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in South Dakota, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.