Cost of Living in Pierre, SD
Population 14,008 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Pierre stay well under national norms: a median home value of $220,000 against median household incomes of $74,053 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in South Dakota. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Pierre lies roughly 190 miles west of the nearest major metro, Sioux Falls — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pierre
The median home value in Pierre is $219,500 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $936/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,053/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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 58.9°F and lows of 35.2°F, with about 37.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Pierre has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% 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 | 29 | 34 | 46 | 59 | 70 | 80 | 88 | 87 | 78 | 61 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 9 | 13 | 23 | 33 | 45 | 56 | 62 | 59 | 50 | 36 | 23 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.45 | 0.74 | 0.96 | 1.93 | 3.25 | 3.69 | 2.39 | 1.95 | 1.74 | 1.69 | 0.77 | 0.64 |
| Snow" | 5.1 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 6.3 | 6.2 |
💨 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 Pierre, SD?
Pierre has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pierre, SD?
The median gross rent in Pierre is $936 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pierre?
The median home value in Pierre is $219,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pierre?
The median household income in Pierre is $74,053 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pierre, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pierre is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Pierre, SD affordable?
Yes, Pierre is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pierre?
Pierre has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 20.2". Average annual snowfall is 37.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pierre at a Glance
- Population
- 14,008
- Median Income
- $74,053
- Home Value
- $219,500
- Median Rent
- $936/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
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