Custer, SD vs Lower Brule, SD

The cost of living difference between Custer, SD and Lower Brule, SD is dramatic. Lower Brule is 70.8% cheaper than Custer, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Custer has a cost index of 79 while Lower Brule sits at 46, 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 Custer is $926/month compared to $415/month in Lower Brule — a 123% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lower Brule is more affordable at $22,500 median vs $229,500.

Median household income in Custer is $80,188 compared to $31,667 in Lower Brule (+153.2%). 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 15.7% in Lower Brule.

Climate-wise, Lower Brule is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 43.2°F in Custer. Lower Brule receives more rainfall at 20.4" per year compared to 19.8" in Custer.