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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in South Dakota: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

11.4% below

Cost of living in South Dakota is 11.4% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for South Dakota (index 88.6; U.S. = 100). Median rent in South Dakota is $999 a month.

Cost of living in South Dakota by category

Overall prices

88.6U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−11.4% vs. U.S.

Goods
95.5 −4.5%
Housing (rents)
67.6 −32.4%
Utilities
79.7 −20.3%
Other services
91.9 −8.1%

BEA 2024 · South Dakota Details: Overall prices

Housing

$999/mo

Median gross rent

−33% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$781 −40% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,071 −28% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,193 −29% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$289,600 −20% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,739 −15% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$140/mo

Average electric bill

−11% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
15.4¢/kWh −16% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$12.66/Mcf −35% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
79.7

EIA July 2026 · South Dakota Details: Utilities

Transportation

18.5min

Mean travel time to work

−32% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
78.1%
Work from home
8%
Gasoline (PADD 2 avg.)
$4.17/gal −4% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$120/wk

Center care, infant

−31% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$120/wk −22% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$114/wk −21% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$100/wk −30% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · South Dakota county median Details: Child care

Income

$76,881/yr

Median household income

−6% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
16%
Home value to income
3.8×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in South Dakota

Median gross rent in South Dakota is $999 a month, 33% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $750–$999 range, which holds 22% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 50% pay $1,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $289,600, and 1.9% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: South Dakota vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent South Dakota: $999; U.S.: $1,487 South Dakota $999 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs South Dakota: $1,739; U.S.: $2,035 South Dakota $1,739 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value South Dakota: $289,600; U.S.: $360,600 South Dakota $289,600 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureSouth DakotaU.S.
Median monthly rent$999$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,739$2,035
Median home value$289,600$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in South Dakota

What renters pay in South Dakota Share of renter households paying cash rent in South Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 10.7%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.3%. Median $999. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 10.7% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 17.5% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 22% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 19.9% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 13.4% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 11.7% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 2.9% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 0.7% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.3% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $999 (South Dakota) 22%
Show the data table
RangeSouth DakotaU.S.
Less than $50010.7%6.1%
$500–$74917.5%6.8%
$750–$99922%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24919.9%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49913.4%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99911.7%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4992.9%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9990.7%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.1%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.3%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in South Dakota

Home values in South Dakota Share of owner-occupied homes in South Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 14.4%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 0.7%. Median $289,600. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 14.4% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 6.9% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.7% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 10.1% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 12.4% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 19.2% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 11.3% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 12.2% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 1.2% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 0.7% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $289,600 (South Dakota) 19.2%
Show the data table
RangeSouth DakotaU.S.
Less than $100,00014.4%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9996.9%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9998.7%7.5%
$200,000–$249,99910.1%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99912.4%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99919.2%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99911.3%12%
$500,000–$749,99912.2%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9992.8%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9991.2%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more0.7%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in South Dakota

Measure South Dakota U.S.
Median rent (all units) $999$1,487
1-bedroom rent $781$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,071$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,193$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,739$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is South Dakota?

At the median, rent takes about 16% of household income in South Dakota. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $40,000 a year.

The median home is worth $289,600, or 3.8 times the median household income.

Household income in South Dakota

The median household in South Dakota earns $76,881 a year, 6% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 8.7% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 13.2% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: South Dakota vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) South Dakota: $76,881; U.S.: $81,604 South Dakota $76,881 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureSouth DakotaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$76,881$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in South Dakota

Household income distribution in South Dakota Share of households in South Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.7%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 8.7%. Median $76,881. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 4.7% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.3% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 4.5% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 7.7% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 10.7% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 14.4% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 11.5% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 8% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 8.7% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $76,881 (South Dakota) 14.4%
Show the data table
RangeSouth DakotaU.S.
Less than $10,0004.7%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.7%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.8%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.9%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.3%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9994.5%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.6%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9997.7%6.4%
$60,000–$74,99910.7%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99914.4%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99911.5%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9998%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9998.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more8.7%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure South Dakota U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $76,881$81,604
Median home value $289,600$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, South Dakota scored 88.6 for all items. The highest category is goods at 95.5; the lowest is housing rents at 67.6.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items South Dakota: 88.6; U.S.: 100.0 South Dakota 88.6 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods South Dakota: 95.5; U.S.: 99.6 South Dakota 95.5 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) South Dakota: 67.6; U.S.: 100.6 South Dakota 67.6 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities South Dakota: 79.7; U.S.: 98.4 South Dakota 79.7 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services South Dakota: 91.9; U.S.: 100.1 South Dakota 91.9 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureSouth DakotaU.S.
All items88.6100.0
Goods95.599.6
Housing (rents)67.6100.6
Utilities79.798.4
Other services91.9100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in South Dakota paid an average of 15.4¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $140 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $12.66 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: South Dakota vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) South Dakota: 15.4¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ South Dakota 15.4¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) South Dakota: $140; U.S.: $157 South Dakota $140 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) South Dakota: $12.66; U.S.: $19.40 South Dakota $12.66 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureSouth DakotaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)15.4¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$140$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$12.66$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in South Dakota who commute spend an average of 18.5 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (78.1% of workers); 8% work from home. Gasoline in the Midwest region (PADD 2), which includes South Dakota, averaged $4.17 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate South Dakota price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work South Dakota: Drove alone 78.1%, Carpooled 9.4%, Public transit 0.2%, Walked 3%, Bicycle 0.3%, Worked from home 8%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in South Dakota: Drove alone. South Dakota South Dakota · Drove alone: 78.1% 78.1% South Dakota · Carpooled: 9.4% South Dakota · Public transit: 0.2% South Dakota · Walked: 3% South Dakota · Bicycle: 0.3% South Dakota · Worked from home: 8% South Dakota · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationSouth DakotaU.S.
Drove alone78.1%69.2%
Carpooled9.4%9.2%
Public transit0.2%3.7%
Walked3%2.4%
Bicycle0.3%0.5%
Worked from home8%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in South Dakota

Travel time to work in South Dakota Share of workers who do not work from home in South Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 10.1%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2.3%. Mean 18.5 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 10.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 19.8% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 18.3% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 16.6% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 13.6% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 4.8% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 6.8% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 1.4% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 1.7% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 2.6% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 2.1% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2.3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 18.5 min (South Dakota) 19.8%
Show the data table
RangeSouth DakotaU.S.
Less than 5 min10.1%2.8%
5–9 min19.8%9.4%
10–14 min18.3%13.1%
15–19 min16.6%15%
20–24 min13.6%14.1%
25–29 min4.8%7%
30–34 min6.8%13.7%
35–39 min1.4%3.4%
40–44 min1.7%4.1%
45–59 min2.6%8.3%
60–89 min2.1%6.3%
90 min or more2.3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in South Dakota

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $120 a week in the median South Dakota county, or $6,240 over 52 weeks. That is 31% below the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care South Dakota (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $120$174
Center-based care, toddler $120$153
Center-based care, preschool $114$144
Center-based care, school-age $115$120
Home-based family care, infant $100$143
Home-based family care, toddler $100$132
Home-based family care, preschool $100$131
Home-based family care, school-age $109$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than South Dakota prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in South Dakota?

Median rent is $781 for a one-bedroom and $1,071 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in South Dakota?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 50.2% pay less than $1,000 a month, 45% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 5% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in South Dakota?

To keep the median rent of $999 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $40,000 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is South Dakota more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in South Dakota at 88.6 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 11.4% below average. Housing rents score 67.6.

How long is the average commute in South Dakota?

18.5 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in South Dakota?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $120 a week in the median South Dakota county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.