A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Vermillion South Dakota National
Cost of living9392100
Groceries9699100
Health care9897100
Housing8677100
Transportation9896100
Utilities91103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9294100
Household Items9696100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Vermillion, SD

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Vermillion 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 Vermillion is 93, which is 7% 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 Vermillion closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Vermillion can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Vermillion Affordable?

Is Vermillion 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 Vermillion, for instance, where the median home price falls 10.3% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 23.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Vermillion flaunting a median household income of $64,601, 20.6% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Vermillion?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Vermillion comes in at 8.7% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Vermillion starts at 4.5% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Vermillion, the groceries index is 3.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Vermillion 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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Vermillion is 1% higher than the South Dakota average
  • The cost of living in Vermillion is 7% lower than the national average
  • Vermillion housing is 14% 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 Vermillion

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Compare Vermillion, SD Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$122,006$10,167$2,847$3,661
      Renters$42,542$3,545$993$1,276
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Vermillion, SD, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Vermillion have a median income of $122,006. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,847 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $42,542, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $993.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Richland, SD160964.3%
      Obert, NE23964.3%
      Maskell, NE537524.6%
      Gayville, SD3828217.5%
      Newcastle, NE4238317.1%
      Vermillion, SD11,210937.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Damascus, OR11,21014443.8%
      Totowa, NJ11,21213636.1%
      Dobbs Ferry, NY11,21217474.3%
      River Forest, IL11,21515251.7%
      Sussex, WI11,20411211.5%
      Vermillion, SD11,210937.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.