Moving from Mesa to Rapid City (2026)
Rapid City has a COL index of 88 vs 96 for Mesa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$276/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9688
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,200
per month
State tax
2.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Rapid City to match your Mesa lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Mesa | Equivalent in Rapid City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,667 |
| $50K | $45,833 |
| $60K | $55,000 |
| $75K | $68,750 |
| $80K | $73,333 |
| $100K | $91,667 |
| $120K | $110,000 |
| $150K | $137,500 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Mesa vs Rapid City
| Expense | Mesa | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $369 | $365 |
| Transport | $55 | $40 |
| Utilities | $210 | $148 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,490 | $2,923 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rapid City cheaper than Mesa?
Yes. Rapid City has a cost of living index of 88 vs 96 for Mesa (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Mesa to Rapid City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Mesa to Rapid City could save roughly $276/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,312/year.
What salary do I need in Rapid City to match my Mesa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Mesa, you'd need roughly $68,750/year in Rapid City. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Rapid City to MesaMesa vs Rapid City — full comparisonMesa 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