Cost of Living in Brandon, SD

With a cost of living index of 88, Brandon, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 12% cheaper than the national average and 13% above the South Dakota state average of 74. Brandon is a smaller community of 10,996 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Brandon's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $989 (25% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $317,300 (4% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Brandon is $104,806, which is 39% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% 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 Brandon. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.4°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 21°F. Annual rainfall totals 27.8 inches spread over roughly 104 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Sioux Falls, SD-MN (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.