City Comparison
Brandon vs Vermillion
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brandon scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brandon
Vermillion
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Vermillion is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Brandon.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brandon's average rent is
47% higher than Vermillion's.
| Metric | Brandon | Vermillion | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $850 | +47% |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 | 0% |
| Utilities | $170 | $160 | +6% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $220 | +5% |
| Monthly Total | $2,140 | $1,720 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 88 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brandon offers 26% 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 $45,000 in Vermillion.
| Metric | Brandon | Vermillion |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $54,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 61,364 idx |
| Household Income | $85,000 | $53,200 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.7°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Brandon sees 2.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brandon | Vermillion |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.70°F | 51.40°F |
| Summer High | 81.10°F | 82.60°F |
| Winter Low | 9.50°F | 13.60°F |
| Rainfall | 29.40 in | 31.10 in |
| Snowfall | 22.60 in | 19.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 268 | 270 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vermillion has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Brandon.
Vermillion scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vermillion leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Brandon | Vermillion |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 12 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | 25.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Brandon is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Vermillion.
From a growth perspective, Brandon is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Brandon | Vermillion |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,486 | 9,718 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 24.5 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.80% |
| 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
Vermillion
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census data.
Extremely low crime rates provide a safe, secure environment for families and students.
The presence of the University of South Dakota enriches the community with cultural events, arts, and continuing education.
Short average commute times allow residents to spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying daily life.
Strong local healthcare access anchored by Sanford Vermillion medical facilities.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings cold temperatures and snowfall, typical of the Northern Plains region.
Limited public transit options mean residents almost entirely rely on personal vehicles.
Local job market options can be narrower outside of education, healthcare, and public administration sectors.
Distance from major metropolitan areas requires significant travel for major flight hubs or specialized entertainment.
Rental market can experience seasonal tightness driven by the university academic calendar.
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
Vermillion
#106South Dakota, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
12 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
68
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