Hot Springs, SD vs Wagner, SD

Wagner is moderately more affordable than Hot Springs, with a 12% lower cost of living index. Hot Springs scores 71 compared to 64 for Wagner, 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 $711/month in Wagner — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wagner is more affordable at $129,200 median vs $168,200.

Median household income in Hot Springs is $49,688 compared to $47,137 in Wagner (+5.4%). Hot Springs does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Hot Springs spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.1% in Wagner.