Aberdeen, SD vs Box Elder, SD
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Aberdeen is 24.1% cheaper than Box Elder. With a cost index of 72 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Aberdeen to Box Elder should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Aberdeen is $783/month compared to $1,354/month in Box Elder — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Aberdeen is more affordable at $205,500 median vs $271,800.
Median household income in Aberdeen is $63,715 compared to $73,698 in Box Elder (-13.5%). The higher salaries in Box Elder partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Aberdeen spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Box Elder.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44°F vs 46.7°F). Aberdeen receives more rainfall at 21.8" per year compared to 17.4" in Box Elder.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)