| Index | Mitchell | South Dakota | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 81 | 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 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Mitchell is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Mitchell is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Mitchell 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 Mitchell an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Mitchell, the median home price is 16.7% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 25.1% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Mitchell come in at $66,736, which is 17.9% 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 Mitchell, the utilities index registers at 4% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Mitchell, the transportation index stands at 6.9% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Mitchell, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.
The Mitchell cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
| 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 | $91,137 | $7,595 | $2,126 | $2,734 |
| Renters | $44,774 | $3,731 | $1,045 | $1,343 |
| 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. |
| Loomis, SD | 0 | 96 | 3.5% |
| Fulton, SD | 142 | 81 | 19.0% |
| Mount Vernon, SD | 514 | 84 | 15.9% |
| Ethan, SD | 341 | 86 | 14.1% |
| Alexandria, SD | 786 | 87 | 12.6% |
| Mitchell, SD | 16,163 | 92 | 8.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Warsaw, IN | 16,160 | 91 | 9.1% |
| Clarksburg, WV | 16,166 | 82 | 17.7% |
| Los Lunas, NM | 16,172 | 98 | 2.2% |
| Mebane, NC | 16,152 | 101 | 1.1% |
| La Palma, CA | 16,175 | 177 | 77.2% |
| Mitchell, SD | 16,163 | 92 | 8.2% |