salaryRapid City is the 2nd-largest city in South Dakota that we track, with 77,946 residents. Rent is lower than in 57% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.9 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 17.5 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $60,240 a year. That is $29 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other South Dakota cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of South Dakota. It is number 18 of 19 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Rapid City?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.7% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Rapid City
| Size | Rapid City | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $730 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $965 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,334 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,469 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,276 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Rapid City overall?
Everyday prices in the Rapid City metro area are 11% below the U.S. average (index 89.2, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Rapid City
Life in Rapid City
What jobs pay in Rapid City
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $140,340 | 12.9% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,740 | 13.8% |
| Operations Manager | $130,410 | 13.9% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,160 | 14.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $104,350 | 17.3% |
| Civil Engineer | $100,300 | 18.0% |
| Lawyer | $99,430 | 18.2% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,890 | 19.7% |
| Software Developer | $91,840 | 19.7% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,380 | 22.8% |
| Accountant | $79,270 | 22.8% |
| Police Officer | $65,620 | 27.5% |
| Market Research Analyst | $61,700 | 29.3% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,430 | 29.4% |
| Electrician | $61,160 | 29.5% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,480 | 30.4% |
| Truck Driver | $59,110 | 30.6% |
| Plumber | $55,850 | 32.4% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $52,220 | 34.6% |
| Carpenter | $48,640 | 37.2% |
| Firefighter | $48,160 | 37.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $40,690 | 44.4% |
| Customer Service Representative | $38,520 | 46.9% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,500 | 46.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,050 | 47.5% |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,910 | 50.3% |
| Retail Salesperson | $33,350 | 54.2% |
| Cashier | $30,460 | 59.3% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $29,020 | 62.3% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Rapid City?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $571 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $299,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $29,940 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Rapid City, SD?
Renting in Rapid City costs a median of about $1,506 a month in 2026, including utilities. The South Dakota median is $1,271.
How much do I need to make to live in Rapid City?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $60,240 a year, or $29 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Rapid City cheap or expensive?
Rapid City is rated OK: rent takes 23.6% of the typical household income of $76,433. It ranks 18th cheapest of 19 South Dakota cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Rapid City?
The median homeowner in Rapid City pays $3,251 a year in property taxes, about 1.09% of the median home value.
Is Rapid City more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 11% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Rapid City?
The median home value in Rapid City is $299,400, about 3.9 times the typical yearly household income.
77,946 people live in Rapid City. Numbers are typical (middle) values.