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Bison, SD vs Fort Thompson, SD

66
Bison
South Dakota
VS
+17.6%
56
Fort Thompson
South Dakota

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Thompson is 17.6% cheaper than Bison. With a cost index of 56 vs 66, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Thompson to Bison should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bison is $943/month compared to $515/month in Fort Thompson — a 83% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Fort Thompson has cheaper rent, Bison actually has lower median home values ($72,300 vs $110,300).

Median household income in Bison is $62,273 compared to $45,313 in Fort Thompson (+37.4%). While Bison is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bison spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, more than the 13.6% in Fort Thompson.

Climate-wise, Fort Thompson is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 42.3°F in Bison. Fort Thompson receives more rainfall at 20.4" per year compared to 14.3" in Bison.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Bison
66
Fort Thompson
56
15% cheaper
Median Household Income
Bison
$62,273
27% higher
Fort Thompson
$45,313

Housing

Median Rent
Bison
$943
Fort Thompson
$515
45% cheaper
Median Home Value
Bison
$72,300
34% cheaper
Fort Thompson
$110,300
Population
Bison
419
Fort Thompson
1,134

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Bison 42.3°F
Fort Thompson 48.2°F
Summer High
Bison 84°F
Fort Thompson 88°F
Winter Low
Bison 5°F
Fort Thompson 11°F
Rainfall
Bison 14.3"
Fort Thompson 20.4"
Rainy Days
Bison 83d
Fort Thompson 100d