Denver, CO vs Rapid City, SD: Cost of Living Comparison
Rapid City has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Denver | Rapid City | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 139 | 87 | Rapid City |
| Housing | 168 ($1,239) | 78 ($737) | Rapid City |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 99 ($3.50) | Rapid City |
| Food & groceries | 123 ($504) | 88 ($361) | Rapid City |
| Utilities | 134 ($302) | 89 ($140) | Rapid City |
| Healthcare | 134 ($218) | 89 ($101) | Rapid City |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,800) | 97 ($47,080) | Rapid City |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver, CO or Rapid City, SD cheaper to live in?
Rapid City, SD is cheaper overall by about 52 index points (Denver, CO: 139, Rapid City, SD: 87; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Denver, CO vs Rapid City, SD?
A single adult needs roughly $48,650/year in Denver, CO and $30,450/year in Rapid City, SD to cover basic living costs.