Cost of Living in Rapid City, SD
Population 76,836 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Rapid City's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $65,712 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rapid City
The median home value in Rapid City is $270,000 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,053/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,712/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 59.6°F and lows of 33.7°F, with about 48.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rapid City has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% 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 | 36 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 67 | 78 | 86 | 85 | 76 | 60 | 47 | 37 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 23 | 31 | 42 | 52 | 59 | 56 | 46 | 34 | 22 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.31 | 0.50 | 0.91 | 2.08 | 3.45 | 2.87 | 2.28 | 1.59 | 1.22 | 1.41 | 0.47 | 0.35 |
| Snow" | 5.3 | 7.7 | 8.4 | 10.1 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 5.7 | 6.7 |
💨 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 Rapid City, SD?
Rapid City has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rapid City, SD?
The median gross rent in Rapid City is $1,053 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rapid City?
The median home value in Rapid City is $270,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rapid City?
The median household income in Rapid City is $65,712 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rapid City, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rapid City is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Rapid City, SD affordable?
Yes, Rapid City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rapid City?
Rapid City has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 33.7°F. Annual precipitation is 17.4". Average annual snowfall is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rapid City at a Glance
- Population
- 76,836
- Median Income
- $65,712
- Home Value
- $270,000
- Median Rent
- $1,053/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
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