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Cost of Living in Buffalo Gap, SD

Population: 140 | South Dakota

77
Cost of Living Index
US Average = 100

Buffalo Gap is 23% less expensive than the national average.

100
Housing
22
Home Values
90
Regional Price

Cost of Living in Buffalo Gap, SD: What You Need to Know

With a cost of living index of 77, Buffalo Gap, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 23% cheaper than the national average and 3% above the South Dakota state average of 74. Buffalo Gap is a small community of 140 residents.

The median household income in Buffalo Gap is $55,268, which is 26% lower than the national median of $75,149. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Buffalo Gap. The area sees an average annual temperature of 43.2°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 25°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.8 inches spread over roughly 109 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.

Income

Median Household Income
$55,268
vs US Median ($75,149)
-26%

Housing

Median Home Value
$67,500
Median Monthly Housing Cost
$573/mo

Everyday Prices in Buffalo Gap

BLS Average Prices for the Rapid City, SD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) area

$2.99
Gasoline (regular)
per gallon
-3% vs US
🥚
$2.44
Eggs (grade A, large)
per dozen
-3% vs US
🥛
$3.92
Milk (whole)
per gallon
-3% vs US
🍞
$1.80
Bread (white)
per lb
-3% vs US
🍗
$4.03
Chicken breast
per lb
-3% vs US
$0.15
Electricity
per kWh
-19% vs US

Climate in Buffalo Gap

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

43.2°F
Avg Temperature
19.8"
Rainfall / Year
109d
Rainy Days / Year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High °F 35 35 44 50 60 71 79 78 69 54 43 35
Avg °F 25 25 33 39 49 59 67 65 56 43 33 25
Low °F 15 15 22 29 38 47 54 52 43 32 22 16
Rain" 0.4 0.6 0.9 2.4 3.0 3.2 3.3 2.1 1.6 1.3 0.5 0.5

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