Cost of Living in Rapid City, SD
Population 77,946 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Rapid City, SD is $1,109/month, 17% higher than the South Dakota median and 22% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $299,400, 10% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $70,870 a year, 6% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Rapid City vs. South Dakota vs. U.S.
| Rapid City | South Dakota | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,109 | $946 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $299,400 | $257,400 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $70,870 | $75,081 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 62.9% | 68.6% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.0% | 31.9% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 12.5% | 11.9% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% | 2.9% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 10.0% | 9.7% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 39.1 | 38.0 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Rapid City, SD?
The median gross rent in Rapid City, SD is $1,109 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Rapid City, SD?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $44,360 a year in gross income.
Is Rapid City, SD expensive to live in?
Rent there is 22% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.2 times the median household income.
Other cities in South Dakota
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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