Cost of Living in Rapid City, South Dakota (2026)
COL Index
88
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,200
per month
Median HHI
$58K
per year
State Tax
None
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Rapid City |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $950 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,600 |
| Median home price | $285K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $52 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $40 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10 |
| Car insurance/mo | $138 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $148 |
| Internet/mo | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $58K |
| State income tax rate | 0.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.4% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 88 |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 |
Is Rapid City affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,728/mo take-home
44% rent burden · Tight
$50K
~$3,160/mo take-home
38% rent burden · Tight
$60K
~$3,793/mo take-home
32% rent burden · Manageable
$75K
~$4,741/mo take-home
25% rent burden · Comfortable
$80K
~$5,057/mo take-home
24% rent burden · Comfortable
$100K
~$6,321/mo take-home
19% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$7,155/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,944/mo take-home
13% rent burden · Very comfortable
Too expensive? Find cheaper alternatives.
See cities with a lower cost of living than Rapid City.
Compare Rapid City with other cities
Rapid City vs New YorkCompare →Rapid City vs Los AngelesCompare →Rapid City vs ChicagoCompare →Rapid City vs HoustonCompare →
Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only