Cost of Living in Waubay, SD

With a cost of living index of 58, Waubay, SD is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 42% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the South Dakota state average of 74. Waubay is a small community of 425 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Waubay's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $583 (56% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $105,000 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Waubay is $36,635, which is 51% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% 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.