City Comparison
Brandon vs Rapid City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brandon scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brandon
Rapid City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Brandon is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Rapid City.
| Metric | Brandon | Rapid City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,338 | -7% |
| Groceries | $380 | $340 | +12% |
| Utilities | $170 | $285 | -40% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $366 | -37% |
| Monthly Total | $2,140 | $2,479 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brandon offers 47% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Brandon delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Brandon is estimated at
$52,000 vs $50,000 in Rapid City.
| Metric | Brandon | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $46,200 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 46,667 idx |
| Household Income | $85,000 | $70,870 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Brandon runs warmer on average — a 48.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Brandon comes out ahead with 268 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Brandon sees 22.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brandon | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 9.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 268 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 59.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Brandon scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Brandon leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Brandon | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rapid City is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Brandon.
From a growth perspective, Brandon is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Rapid City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brandon | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,486 | 88,067 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | 1.83% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 39.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 1.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brandon
Advantages
Exceptional local school district (Brandon Valley School District) frequently recognized for academic and athletic excellence
Significantly lower crime rates and higher safety profile compared to the national U.S. average
Favorable tax environment featuring no state personal income tax in South Dakota
Convenient proximity to Sioux Falls providing access to major healthcare systems and employment centers
Rapidly growing community with modern housing developments and extensive neighborhood parks
Drawbacks
High level of car dependency with limited public transportation infrastructure within the city
Rising housing costs and increasing property values driven by strong demand and limited inventory
Cold and snowy winter climate requiring adaptation to harsh seasonal weather conditions
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options within city limits, requiring trips to Sioux Falls
Competitive real estate market for prospective home buyers looking to settle in top-tier school zones
Rapid City
Advantages
Rapid City experienced a significant population growth rate of 1.83% from 2024 to 2025, indicating a thriving community.
The unemployment rate in Rapid City is exceptionally low at 1.9% in 2026, well below the national average, suggesting a strong job market.
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2025, highlighting high standards of patient safety.
The cost of living in Rapid City is slightly lower than the national average, with a cost of living index of 99, making it a relatively affordable place to reside.
Violent crime in Rapid City has seen a 26% decrease since 2020, reaching a five-year low in 2024, reflecting improved public safety efforts.
Drawbacks
Despite improvements, Rapid City's overall crime rate of 46 per one thousand residents is considered high compared to many communities nationwide.
Demand for housing has at times outpaced supply, contributing to rising costs and potential challenges for new residents.
Grocery prices in Rapid City are slightly higher than the national average, impacting everyday household expenses.
Some tourism-affiliated sectors in Rapid City offer lower-than-average wages, which can affect the overall earning potential for a segment of the workforce.
The city exhibits a medium car dependency, with limited public transit options and most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Brandon
#7South Dakota, USA
77.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
268/yr
Avg Temp
48.70°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
72
Rapid City
#270South Dakota, USA
61.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,338
Avg Salary
$46,200
Cost Index
99
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.83%
Unemployment
1.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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