| Index | Brookings | South Dakota | National |
| Cost of living | 97 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 97 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 93 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 93 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 98 | 100 |
The cost of living in Brookings affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Brookings is 97, which is 3% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Brookings is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses 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 Brookings affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Brookings, for instance, where the median home price falls 4.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 20.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Brookings flaunting a median household income of $78,859, 3% lower than the national norm.
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 Brookings, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Brookings, healthcare costs are 4.8% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Brookings, the utilities index registers at 4% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Brookings are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across 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 | $125,939 | $10,495 | $2,938 | $3,779 |
| Renters | $59,363 | $4,947 | $1,385 | $1,781 |
| 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. |
| Bushnell, SD | 36 | 78 | 21.8% |
| Sinai, SD | 172 | 78 | 21.6% |
| Bruce, SD | 264 | 82 | 18.4% |
| Nunda, SD | 51 | 82 | 18.2% |
| White, SD | 537 | 86 | 13.7% |
| Brookings, SD | 25,380 | 97 | 3.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Thetford Mines, QC | 25,383 | n/a | |
| Dinuba, CA | 25,393 | 117 | 16.6% |
| Fort Washington, MD | 25,402 | 138 | 37.8% |
| Westmont, IL | 25,356 | 116 | 16.3% |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 118 | 17.9% |
| Brookings, SD | 25,380 | 97 | 3.3% |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in South Dakota
Check out the 10 safest cities in South Dakota