Custer, SD vs Hot Springs, SD

Hot Springs is moderately more affordable than Custer, with a 10.1% lower cost of living index. Custer scores 79 compared to 71 for Hot Springs, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Custer can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Custer is $926/month compared to $854/month in Hot Springs — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hot Springs is more affordable at $168,200 median vs $229,500.

Median household income in Custer is $80,188 compared to $49,688 in Hot Springs (+61.4%). While Custer is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Custer spend roughly 13.9% of their income on rent, less than the 20.6% in Hot Springs.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43.2°F vs 43.2°F). Hot Springs receives more rainfall at 19.8" per year compared to 19.8" in Custer.