Cost of Living in Brookings, SD
Population 23,710 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brookings sits on the smaller end of the South Dakota city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Brookings is about 55 miles north of Sioux Falls, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brookings
The median home value in Brookings is $243,600 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $862/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,979/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Dakota charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 55.5°F and lows of 34.8°F. Overall, Brookings has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 24 | 29 | 42 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 83 | 80 | 73 | 59 | 42 | 29 |
| Low °F | 6 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 47 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 49 | 37 | 23 | 12 |
| Precip" | 0.71 | 0.89 | 1.80 | 3.26 | 3.79 | 4.99 | 3.44 | 3.23 | 3.08 | 2.30 | 1.27 | 0.86 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD?
Brookings has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brookings, SD?
The median gross rent in Brookings is $862 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brookings?
The median home value in Brookings is $243,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brookings?
The median household income in Brookings is $61,979 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brookings, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brookings is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Brookings, SD affordable?
Yes, Brookings is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brookings?
Brookings has average high temperatures of 55.5°F and average lows of 34.8°F. Annual precipitation is 29.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brookings at a Glance
- Population
- 23,710
- Median Income
- $61,979
- Home Value
- $243,600
- Median Rent
- $862/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs