Lead, SD vs Parkston, SD

Parkston is moderately more affordable than Lead, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. Lead scores 73 compared to 65 for Parkston, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lead can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Lead is $844/month compared to $725/month in Parkston — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parkston is more affordable at $145,500 median vs $192,800.

Median household income in Lead is $57,348 compared to $71,313 in Parkston (-19.6%). 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 Lead spend roughly 17.7% 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 41.1°F in Lead. Lead receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 21.1" in Parkston.