Cost of Living in South Dakota [2025]

If you've always wanted a lifestyle that embraced open plains, friendly neighbors, fresh air, and a low cost of living, South Dakota might be your next home. From the Black Hills to small-town main streets, the Mount Rushmore State offers a mix of natural beauty and affordability.

With lower costs across every cost of living category, South Dakota offers flexibility for your budget. You can rent an apartment in the middle of Sioux Falls or look in Aberdeen. There are also plenty of laid-back, rural options where your budget will stretch farther than you might think. We pulled together the data for you to make the best decision possible for your next move. Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the cost of living in South Dakota.

Cost of Living in South Dakota

What Is the Cost of Living in South Dakota?

If you’re tired of the high cost of living and are looking for a more affordable lifestyle, South Dakota is well worth a look. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in South Dakota is about 10.7% below the national average. Here’s the breakdown:

Where is the Cost of Living Highest in South Dakota?

The highest cost of living in South Dakota can be found in Sioux Falls, which is also the state’s largest city and a fastest-growing metro area. Sioux Falls still enjoys a reasonable cost of living that sits just slightly below the national average. Sperling's Best Places data shows that the cost of living in Sioux Falls is 9.3% lower than the U.S. average but 1.6% higher than the state average. As of April 2025, our Sioux Falls rent report lists the median price of a one-bedroom at $826.

Where is the Cost of Living Lowest in South Dakota?

If you're looking to take advantage of maximum savings in South Dakota, try Aberdeen. The cost of living is 21.6% lower than the national average and 12.2% lower than the state average. This small city ranks among the most affordable in the state, with housing and miscellaneous costs significantly below average.

How Much Is Rent in South Dakota?

To get an idea of how much rent is in South Dakota, you can look at our latest data. Currently, the overall average rent in South Dakota is about $871. A one-bedroom averages around $704 per month, while two-bedrooms rent for roughly $904. Each South Dakota city will have a different average rent, so here's a quick look at rental prices in major South Dakota cities:

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 1-Bedroom in South Dakota?

If you're looking for a one-bedroom to rent, you'll find the average rent across South Dakota is $704. Here's how those prices vary by city:

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 2-Bedroom in South Dakota?

If you want more space or are teaming up with a roommate and need a two-bedroom apartment, the average statewide rent is around $904:

How Much Does a House Cost in South Dakota?

South Dakota offers incredible value for homebuyers. The median home price of $264,200 is much lower than the U.S. average of $338,100. You’ll find affordable options across the state. Here’s a sample of housing prices in key cities:

What Salary Do You Need to Live in South Dakota?

With cost of living data in hand, you can start to figure out how much to spend on rent in South Dakota. We recommend following the 30% rent rule, which suggests only spending 30% of your take-home pay on rent. If you pay $704 for the average one-bedroom apartment, that means you need to earn at least $28,160 a year, $2,346.67 a month, or about $14.08 an hour.

It's also important to think about what the living wage in South Dakota is to make sure all of your essentials are covered. According to MIT’s living wage data, a single adult should earn at least $19.75 an hour or around $41,080 annually to meet basic expenses, including housing, food, and transportation. You'll need another job, lower your rent, or take on a side hustle to afford travel, student debt repayments, an emergency fund, and more. The living wage can also fluctuate depending on which area of South Dakota you live in.

Now, let's take a look at the U.S. Census Bureau data. They report a median household income in South Dakota is $72,421 annually, $6,035.08 a month, or around $34.82 an hour, which is well above the living wage or our 30% recommendation. With jobs in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, mining, and financial services, you can work your way up to a comfortable living in South Dakota.

How Much Does Transportation Cost in South Dakota?

There's more good news for newcomers moving to South Dakota: transportation costs are relatively low in South Dakota. According to MIT's data, a single adult spends around $11,005 per year, and a family of four with two working adults and two children spends about $18,460. It's important to know what public transportation options are limited, but areas like Sioux Falls offer some city bus service. A single fare runs $1.50 per ride or $35 for a monthly pass.

How Much Do Groceries Cost in South Dakota?

Make sure you leave breathing room in your budget to stock up on groceries and local fare. A single adult in South Dakota spends about $4,380 annually on food, while a family of four with two working adults and two children spends approximately $18,460. You'll also find affordable, tasty staples thanks to the state's thriving agricultural economy.

South Dakota's local fare blends Native American traditions, Midwestern comfort food, and immigrant influences. Some of the local fan favorites include chislic (cubed, fried meat on skewers), Indian tacos on fry bread, and kuchen, which is also the state's official dessert. You’ll also find specialties like buffalo burgers, pheasant dishes, and regional treats like lefse and bierocks that reflect the state’s diverse heritage.

If you want to leave room in your budget for dining out, here’s what a three-course meal for two people (no drinks) costs in major cities:

• Sioux Falls: $67.50
• Rapid City: $62.50
• Aberdeen: $60

How Much Is Child Care in South Dakota?

If you have children, you already know how expensive daycare costs can be. MIT estimates that childcare for one child in South Dakota costs about $8,532 annually, and for two children, roughly $16,501. Childcare costs will have a lot of variation depending on the city or area you move to. Choosing home-based or cooperative options could lower your budget expenditure and leave more room in your budget.

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in South Dakota?

Your health is always a priority, so make sure you account for medical costs and insurance. Healthcare costs are among the few cost of living categories in South Dakota that are slightly above average. A single adult will spend about $3,332 per year, while a family of four will pay approximately $10,558. Low-income residents may qualify for assistance through South Dakota Medicaid.

How Much Are Utilities in South Dakota?

Thanks to moderate utility rates and relatively cool summers, South Dakota residents typically pay less than the national average for utilities. In January, temperatures in South Dakota can dip below 10°F in the northeastern corner, while the southwestern areas tend to be a bit milder, averaging above 25°F. By July, the state warms up considerably—expect average highs around 65°F in the cooler Black Hills region and temperatures climbing past 75°F in the south-central part of the state.

Here’s a look at what residents pay monthly for utilities:

• Sioux Falls: $205.37 (+ $101.40 for a basic mobile phone plan and Internet with 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
• Rapid City: $171.99 (+ $101.69 for a basic mobile phone plan and Internet with 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

For context, the national average cost for utilities is about $208.08, which is only slightly above the Sioux Falls estimate.

Fitness and Entertainment

Living in South Dakota offers plenty of opportunity for affordable fun and fitness. There's also outlets for enjoy free festivals, parks, and biking without spending a dollar. From outdoor adventures to local gyms and movie nights, here’s what to expect:

Cinema Tickets in South Dakota

If you love catching the latest blockbuster at the cinema, here's what you'll spend on average, without snacks and drinks:

• Sioux Falls: $11.12
• Rapid City: $12

Gym Memberships

If fitness and working out are important to you, you should factor in monthly gym costs to your budget, including:

• Sioux Falls: $43.88
• Rapid City: $51

If you want to go ultra light with your budget, you can look for on-site fitness gyms in your next apartment or set one up at home.

State Parks in South Dakota

If you prioritize the great outdoors and adventures, you're in luck. South Dakota is home to 13 state parks. In addition to the state parks, there are also 43 recreation areas, 6 nature areas, and 1 trail within the South Dakota state park system. Pack up your hiking shoes or bike and head out to explore parks like Custer, Palisades, and Bear Butte. Entry fees range from $6 to $8 per vehicle, with camping, hiking, and fishing activities available year-round.

Visit a Famed Attraction

South Dakota may be low on nightlife options, but it has world-class, historic attractions. Locals and tourists alike flock to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Or you can take a historic stroll through Deadwood. There's always something to explore in South Dakota, making it an ideal destination to learn more about native cultures and U.S. history.

How Much Are Taxes in South Dakota?

If you're looking for more ways to save money, you'll be happy to know that one of South Dakota’s biggest perks is its no state income tax. Sales tax is a reasonable 4.5%, with local taxes raising that to about 6.5% in most areas. Property taxes are also moderate.

Ready to Find a New Apartment in South Dakota?

If you’re ready to trade city chaos for open skies and solid savings, South Dakota may be the perfect fit. Whether you're settling in Sioux Falls or seeking serenity in Aberdeen, take our apartment search quiz to get started today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How expensive is an apartment in South Dakota?

Rent prices in South Dakota can shift quite a bit depending on where you’re living. On average, a one-bedroom apartment across the state runs about $704 per month, while a two-bedroom averages around $904. In Sioux Falls, you’ll typically pay a bit more—about $826 for a one-bedroom and $959 for a two-bedroom unit.

What is the cheapest rent in South Dakota?

A one-bedroom apartment is generally the most affordable rental option in South Dakota. Statewide, the average cost for a one-bedroom sits around $904 per month. In Sioux Falls, though, you can expect to pay a little more, with the average one-bedroom rental coming in at about $959 monthly.

Is it expensive to live in South Dakota?

Two-bedroom apartments tend to be the priciest option for renters in South Dakota. On average, a two-bedroom unit costs around $904 per month statewide. In addition to rent, a single adult can expect to spend roughly $4,380 annually on groceries, $11,005 on transportation, and $3,332 on healthcare.

What is the population of South Dakota?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of South Dakota as of 2024 was 924,669.

What is a good salary in South Dakota?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in South Dakota is $72,421. To make sure you can afford everything, we recommend spending no more than 30% on rent. If the overall average for a one-bedroom apartment in South Dakota is $704 a month, you need to earn at least $28,160 per year, $2,346.67 a month, or about $14.08 per hour.