Box Elder, SD vs Madison, SD

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Madison is 28.8% cheaper than Box Elder. With a cost index of 74 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Madison to Box Elder should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Box Elder is $1,354/month compared to $874/month in Madison — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Madison is more affordable at $191,400 median vs $271,800.

Median household income in Box Elder is $73,698 compared to $62,180 in Madison (+18.5%). The higher salaries in Box Elder partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Box Elder spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in Madison.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.7°F vs 45.1°F). Madison receives more rainfall at 29.6" per year compared to 17.4" in Box Elder.