Hot Springs, SD vs Parkston, SD

Parkston is moderately more affordable than Hot Springs, with a 9% lower cost of living index. Hot Springs scores 71 compared to 65 for Parkston, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hot Springs can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hot Springs is $854/month compared to $725/month in Parkston — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parkston is more affordable at $145,500 median vs $168,200.

Median household income in Hot Springs is $49,688 compared to $71,313 in Parkston (-30.3%). Parkston offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hot Springs spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 12.2% in Parkston.

Climate-wise, Parkston is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 43.2°F in Hot Springs. Parkston receives more rainfall at 21.1" per year compared to 19.8" in Hot Springs.