Aberdeen, SD vs Brookings, SD

Aberdeen is moderately more affordable than Brookings, with a 7.1% lower cost of living index. Aberdeen scores 72 compared to 78 for Brookings, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Brookings can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Aberdeen is $783/month compared to $862/month in Brookings — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Aberdeen is more affordable at $205,500 median vs $243,600.

Median household income in Aberdeen is $63,715 compared to $61,979 in Brookings (+2.8%). Aberdeen offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Aberdeen spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Brookings.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44°F vs 45.1°F). Brookings receives more rainfall at 29.6" per year compared to 21.8" in Aberdeen.