Cost of Living in Dell Rapids, SD

With a cost of living index of 83, Dell Rapids, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 8% above the South Dakota state average of 74. Dell Rapids is a small community of 3,947 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Dell Rapids's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $919 (30% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $284,400 (7% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Dell Rapids is $101,250, which is 35% 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 Dell Rapids. 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.

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.