A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
15%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Aberdeen South Dakota National
Cost of living9189100
Goods & Services9394100
Groceries9597100
Health care9298100
Housing8577100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9088100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Aberdeen, SD

Knowing the cost of living in Aberdeen allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Aberdeen stands at 91, marking it 9% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Aberdeen is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Aberdeen Affordable?

Wondering if Aberdeen is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Aberdeen, for example, the median home price is 8.3% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 29.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Aberdeen boasting a median household income of $56,455, which is 2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Aberdeen?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Aberdeen, the utilities index is 10.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Aberdeen, the housing index is 14.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Aberdeen cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Aberdeen is 2% higher than the South Dakota average
  • The cost of living in Aberdeen is 9% lower than the national average
  • Aberdeen housing is 15% lower than the national average
  • South Dakota general sales tax is 12% lower than the national average
  • South Dakota state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Aberdeen

See all the best places to live around Aberdeen

Compare Aberdeen, SD Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$77,217$6,435$1,802$2,317
      Renters$35,776$2,981$835$1,073
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Aberdeen is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Aberdeen has a median income of about $77,217 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,802 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $35,776. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $835 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      South Dakota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      South Dakota 4.5% 6%

      South Dakota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      South Dakota 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Aberdeen National avg. Difference
      Haircut $18.75$24.2622.7%
      Beauty Salon $25.03$45.5645.1%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.7%
      Shampoo $0.98$1.2823.5%
      Movie $9.50$12.1321.7%
      Bowling $10.00$18.0044.4%

      Groceries

      Item Aberdeen National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.61$5.844.0%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.4%
      Milk $4.49$4.673.9%
      Potatoes $4.28$4.9313.3%
      Pizza $12.79$12.095.8%
      Beer $9.46$10.419.2%

      Health Care

      Item Aberdeen National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $179.59$125.6842.9%
      Doctor $123.33$135.789.2%
      Dentist $83.03$113.2926.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.28$10.653.5%
      Lipitor $503.10$468.607.4%

      Housing

      Item Aberdeen National avg. Difference
      Home Price $169,400.00$184,700.008.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,658.00$2,346.6913.3%
      Apartment Rent $669.00$949.0029.5%

      Transportation

      Item Aberdeen National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.53$3.462.0%
      Tire Balancing $53.06$59.9211.5%

      Utilities

      Item Aberdeen National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $159.27$193.9917.9%
      Phone $194.14$192.251.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wetonka, SD5936.7%
      Bath Corner, SD17936.7%
      Stratford, SD427326.6%
      Westport, SD1307723.2%
      Bath, SD2177921.2%
      Aberdeen, SD28,315919.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saugus, MA28,32614241.9%
      Harrison, NY28,36319999.5%
      Fort Saskatchewan, AB28,368n/a 
      Englewood, NJ28,39014343.3%
      Temescal Valley, CA28,42015554.5%
      Aberdeen, SD28,315919.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.