Cost of Living in Box Elder, SD

With a cost of living index of 95, Box Elder, SD is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 5% cheaper than the national average and 20% above the South Dakota state average of 74. Box Elder is a smaller community of 12,457 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Box Elder's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,354 (3% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $271,800 (11% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Box Elder is $73,698, which is 2% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Box Elder. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.7°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 25°F. Annual rainfall totals 17.4 inches spread over roughly 96 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Rapid City, SD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.