Box Elder, SD vs Pierre, SD

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Pierre is 21.9% cheaper than Box Elder. With a cost index of 78 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Pierre 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 $936/month in Pierre — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pierre is more affordable at $219,500 median vs $271,800.

Median household income in Box Elder is $73,698 compared to $74,053 in Pierre (-0.5%). Pierre offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Box Elder spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Pierre.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.7°F vs 47°F). Pierre receives more rainfall at 20.2" per year compared to 17.4" in Box Elder.