City Comparison
Yankton vs Pierre
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Yankton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Yankton
Pierre
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Yankton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Pierre.
Housing costs are a major driver: Yankton's average rent is
11% lower than Pierre's.
| Metric | Yankton | Pierre | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $950 | -11% |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 | 0% |
| Utilities | $160 | $175 | -9% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $220 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,720 | $1,835 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Pierre offers 7% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pierre delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Yankton is estimated at
$45,000 vs $48,000 in Pierre.
| Metric | Yankton | Pierre |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $58,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $48,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 63,043 idx |
| Household Income | $60,500 | $67,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.1°F of each other.
For sunshine, Pierre comes out ahead with 17 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Yankton sees 2.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Yankton | Pierre |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | 50.30°F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | 83.50°F |
| Winter Low | 14.00°F | 12.90°F |
| Rainfall | 28.60 in | 27.10 in |
| Snowfall | 19.20 in | 16.50 in |
| Sunny Days | 269 | 286 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 62.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Pierre has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Yankton.
Pierre scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Pierre leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Yankton | Pierre |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 12 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 22.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Yankton is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Pierre.
From a growth perspective, Yankton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Yankton | Pierre |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,411 | 14,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 40.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Yankton
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River.
Low crime rates and a strong sense of personal safety across local neighborhoods.
Robust local healthcare services anchored by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Short average commute times and minimal traffic congestion compared to urban centers.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation infrastructure increases reliance on personal vehicles.
Cold winter temperatures and significant snowfall require seasonal preparation.
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters positions compared to larger metro areas.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for younger demographics.
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan cultural and shopping centers.
Pierre
Advantages
State capital status provides exceptionally stable public sector and government employment opportunities.
Crime rates in Pierre are significantly lower than the national average, ensuring high community safety.
World-class hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are available directly along the Missouri River and Lake Oahe.
Housing affordability remains favorable compared to the national average and major coastal metropolitan markets.
Minimal traffic congestion leads to exceptionally short and stress-free daily commute times.
Drawbacks
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan hubs can limit specialized shopping and entertainment choices.
Extreme winter weather conditions with cold temperatures and snowfall require careful preparation.
Limited public transportation infrastructure makes personal vehicle ownership essentially mandatory.
Commercial flight options at the local airport can be limited and more expensive than larger regional hubs.
Limited local industry diversification outside of government, healthcare, and retail sectors.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Yankton
#81South Dakota, USA
68.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
269/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
70
Pierre
#97South Dakota, USA
67.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
12 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
286/yr
Avg Temp
50.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
68
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