Moving from Los Angeles to Rapid City (2026)
Rapid City has a COL index of 88 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 49% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Rapid City to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 49% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Rapid City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $20,347 |
| $50K | $25,434 |
| $60K | $30,520 |
| $75K | $38,150 |
| $80K | $40,694 |
| $100K | $50,867 |
| $120K | $61,040 |
| $150K | $76,301 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Rapid City
| Expense | Los Angeles | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $410 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $40 |
| Utilities | $145 | $148 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $2,923 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rapid City cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Rapid City has a cost of living index of 88 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 49% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Rapid City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Rapid City could save roughly $1,707/month on core expenses. That's ~$20,484/year.
What salary do I need in Rapid City to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $38,150/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