Moving from Albany to Rapid City (2026)
Rapid City has a COL index of 88 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$280/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9288
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,200
per month
State tax
6.9%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Rapid City to match your Albany lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Albany | Equivalent in Rapid City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,261 |
| $50K | $47,826 |
| $60K | $57,391 |
| $75K | $71,739 |
| $80K | $76,522 |
| $100K | $95,652 |
| $120K | $114,783 |
| $150K | $143,478 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Albany vs Rapid City
| Expense | Albany | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $365 |
| Transport | $68 | $40 |
| Utilities | $185 | $148 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,211 | $2,923 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rapid City cheaper than Albany?
Yes. Rapid City has a cost of living index of 88 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Albany to Rapid City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Albany to Rapid City could save roughly $280/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,360/year.
What salary do I need in Rapid City to match my Albany lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Albany, you'd need roughly $71,739/year in Rapid City. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Rapid City to AlbanyAlbany vs Rapid City — full comparisonAlbany cost of livingRapid City cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only