City Comparison
Mitchell vs Sturgis
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Mitchell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Mitchell
Sturgis
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mitchell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
26% lower than in Sturgis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mitchell's average rent is
37% lower than Sturgis's.
| Metric | Mitchell | Sturgis | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,350 | -37% |
| Groceries | $380 | $422 | -10% |
| Utilities | $160 | $180 | -11% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,720 | $2,322 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mitchell offers 55% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mitchell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mitchell is estimated at
$45,000 vs $55,000 in Sturgis.
| Metric | Mitchell | Sturgis |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $34,935 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,674 idx | 37,973 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $54,404 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Mitchell runs warmer on average — a 50.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Mitchell comes out ahead with 272 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Mitchell sees 20.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Mitchell | Sturgis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 11.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 24.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 272 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Mitchell has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Sturgis.
Mitchell scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mitchell leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mitchell | Sturgis |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 14 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 1.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mitchell is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Sturgis.
From a growth perspective, Mitchell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Sturgis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Mitchell | Sturgis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,660 | 6,899 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 40.3 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mitchell
Advantages
Median home price is significantly lower than the US national average per Zillow 2024 data
Average commute time is under 15 minutes, offering exceptional daily convenience
Crime rates in Mitchell are well below both South Dakota and national averages
Strong local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
Access to higher education and community programs via Dakota Wesleyan University
Drawbacks
Cold and snowy winter conditions require preparation and winterized vehicles
Limited public transit options require residents to rely heavily on personal vehicles
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters positions compared to larger metropolitan hubs
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for young adults seeking a bustling city scene
Distance from major major metropolitan airports requires driving to Sioux Falls for flights
Sturgis
Advantages
The cost of living in Sturgis is 8% less expensive than the national average.
Housing costs in Sturgis are more affordable than the national average.
Sturgis has an excellent Livability Score of 75/100.
The median home sale price increased by 3.6% year-over-year as of May 2026.
Monument Health Sturgis Hospital has a 75% patient recommendation rate.
Drawbacks
Sturgis's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.33%.
Crime rates in Sturgis are 2% higher than the South Dakota average.
Public transit options are very limited, with a transit score of 1/10.
Healthcare costs in Sturgis are less affordable than the U.S. average.
The median individual income in Sturgis ($35,129 in 2024) is lower than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mitchell
#95South Dakota, USA
67.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
14 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
272/yr
Avg Temp
50.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
70
Sturgis
#320South Dakota, USA
60.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$34,935
Cost Index
92
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
1.0/100
Walkability
3.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
75
Business
65
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