Lead, SD vs Martin, SD
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Martin is 24% cheaper than Lead. With a cost index of 59 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Martin to Lead should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Lead is $844/month compared to $667/month in Martin — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Martin is more affordable at $87,300 median vs $192,800.
Median household income in Lead is $57,348 compared to $49,609 in Martin (+15.6%). The higher salaries in Lead partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Lead spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.1% in Martin.
Climate-wise, Martin is notably warmer with an average of 47.8°F compared to 41.1°F in Lead. Lead receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 16.6" in Martin.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)