Moving from Fort Worth to Rapid City (2026)
Rapid City has a COL index of 88 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Rapid City to match your Fort Worth lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Worth | Equivalent in Rapid City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,681 |
| $50K | $48,352 |
| $60K | $58,022 |
| $75K | $72,527 |
| $80K | $77,363 |
| $100K | $96,703 |
| $120K | $116,044 |
| $150K | $145,055 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Worth vs Rapid City
| Expense | Fort Worth | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $50 | $40 |
| Utilities | $180 | $148 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,678 | $2,923 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rapid City cheaper than Fort Worth?
Yes. Rapid City has a cost of living index of 88 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Worth to Rapid City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Worth to Rapid City could save roughly $245/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,940/year.
What salary do I need in Rapid City to match my Fort Worth lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Worth, you'd need roughly $72,527/year in Rapid City. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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