| Index | Box Elder | South Dakota | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 104 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 98 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Box Elder can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Box Elder cost of living index is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
In Box Elder, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Box Elder will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Box Elder 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 Box Elder, for example, the median home price is 0.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Box Elder boasting a median household income of $85,536, which is 5.2% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Box Elder, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.
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.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Box Elder, the transportation index is 1.7% lower than the national average.
The cost of living data for Box Elder shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $95,519 | $7,960 | $2,229 | $2,866 |
| Renters | $76,291 | $6,358 | $1,780 | $2,289 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| South Dakota | 4.5% | 6% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| South Dakota | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Caputa, SD | 0 | 99 | 1.3% |
| New Underwood, SD | 779 | 90 | 10.2% |
| Ashland Heights, SD | 1,118 | 95 | 4.9% |
| Rapid Valley, SD | 8,750 | 97 | 2.5% |
| Rapid City, SD | 79,549 | 99 | 1.0% |
| Box Elder, SD | 10,205 | 100 | 0.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Scaggsville, MD | 10,210 | 164 | 63.7% |
| Hampton, NH | 10,213 | 132 | 32.4% |
| Astoria, OR | 10,196 | 120 | 19.9% |
| Fort Salonga, NY | 10,194 | 178 | 77.9% |
| Alcoa, TN | 10,194 | 92 | 8.3% |
| Box Elder, SD | 10,205 | 100 | 0.3% |
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