Harrisburg, SD vs Madison, SD

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Madison is 29.5% cheaper than Harrisburg. With a cost index of 74 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Madison to Harrisburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Harrisburg is $1,349/month compared to $874/month in Madison — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Madison is more affordable at $191,400 median vs $281,400.

Median household income in Harrisburg is $101,534 compared to $62,180 in Madison (+63.3%). While Harrisburg is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Harrisburg spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 16.9% in Madison.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.4°F vs 45.1°F). Madison receives more rainfall at 29.6" per year compared to 27.8" in Harrisburg.