Cost of Living in Selby, SD

With a cost of living index of 56, Selby, SD is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 44% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the South Dakota state average of 74. Selby is a small community of 642 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Selby's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $532 (60% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $104,800 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Selby is $40,882, which is 46% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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.

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.