Custer, SD vs Milbank, SD

The cost of living difference between Custer, SD and Milbank, SD is dramatic. Milbank is 32.4% cheaper than Custer, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Custer has a cost index of 79 while Milbank sits at 59, 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 $480/month in Milbank — a 93% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Milbank is more affordable at $161,300 median vs $229,500.

Median household income in Custer is $80,188 compared to $58,462 in Milbank (+37.2%). 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, more than the 9.9% in Milbank.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (43.2°F vs 43°F). Milbank receives more rainfall at 22.7" per year compared to 19.8" in Custer.