Box Elder, SD vs Yankton, SD

The cost of living difference between Box Elder, SD and Yankton, SD is dramatic. Yankton is 32.3% cheaper than Box Elder, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Box Elder has a cost index of 95 while Yankton sits at 72, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Box Elder is $1,354/month compared to $780/month in Yankton — a 74% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Yankton is more affordable at $202,300 median vs $271,800.

Median household income in Box Elder is $73,698 compared to $69,071 in Yankton (+6.7%). Box Elder does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Box Elder spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 13.6% in Yankton.