Cost of Living in Chester, SD

With a cost of living index of 75, Chester, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and in line with the South Dakota state average. Chester is a small community of 215 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chester's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,098 (17% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $128,400 (58% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Chester is $67,417, which is 10% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Chester. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.1°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 19°F. Annual rainfall totals 29.6 inches spread over roughly 108 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.