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Cost of Living in Brookings County

Is it better to rent or buy in Brookings County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$70,616
$1,007/mo

Median in area: $1,007

$253,274

Median in area: $253,274

$50,655

If you Rent

🔑
$1,206 /mo
Base Rent$1,007
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income20.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,679

If you Buy

🏠
$1,953 /mo
P&I (7.108%)$1,363
Taxes & Ins$391
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income33.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,932

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Brookings County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyHamlin County, SD
$877/mo
countyDeuel County, SD
$625/mo
countyMoody County, SD
$747/mo
countyKingsbury County, SD
$692/mo
countyLincoln County, MN
$662/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Brookings County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Brookings County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,206, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,953 per month (a difference of $747).

How much do utilities cost in Brookings County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Brookings County is approximately $199. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Brookings County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Brookings County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $48,240 per year.