Direct Answer
Pierre, SD has a CostOfCity index of 90, which is 10% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $983/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,402/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Pierre: The Full Picture
The cost of living in Pierre isn't a single number — it's a profile. Housing runs below average. Services reflect a labor market where a price-competitive market where local businesses work harder for each customer. And the climate — lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets — adds its own cost layer. This page gives you the full picture, one category at a time.
Pierre has one of America's genuine bargain markets, where a median income buys a comfortable life
The housing market features a housing market where the American Dream of owning a home is still financially realistic
Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Budget accordingly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy..
Good news for your wallet: Pierre's cost index of 90 means you'll pay 10% less than the national average. That kind of savings compounds across every monthly expense.
💰 Purchasing Power in Pierre
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Pierre, your dollar buys 11% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Pierre Costs More
🔽 Where Pierre Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Pierre
What it actually costs to live in Pierre each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Pierre's cost index of 90 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Don't let the metro-wide numbers fool you — Pierre is a city of micro-markets. The most expensive ZIP codes can cost twice as much as the most affordable ones for identical services. Shop around by neighborhood and you'll find genuine pockets of value.
Pierre vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Pierre
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-26%HVAC Installation
-19%Plumbing Services
-25%Electrical Work
-23%Kitchen Remodel
-5%Bathroom Remodel
-20%House Painting
-35%Flooring Installation
-27%Landscaping
0%Fence Installation
-17%Window Replacement
-11%Solar Panel Installation
-12%Water Heater Replacement
-32%Deck Building
-31%Pool Installation
+5%Tree Removal
-11%Garage Door Repair
-10%💼 Business Startup Costs in Pierre
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-3%Start a Coffee Shop
-28%Start a Food Truck
-21%Start a Gym
-30%Start a Daycare
+3%Start a Hair Salon
-5%Start a Laundromat
-14%Start a Bakery
-8%Start a Bar
-15%Start a Cleaning Business
-17%Start an Airbnb
-12%Start a Trucking Business
-4%📊 Cost of Living in Pierre
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-15%Rent Prices
-30%Grocery Costs
+3%Utility Costs
-2%Transportation Costs
+3%Childcare Costs
-1%Gym Membership
-10%🛡️ Insurance in Pierre
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-6%Home Insurance
-24%Health Insurance
+2%Business Insurance
-2%Life Insurance
-36%Renters Insurance
-4%Pet Insurance
+4%Dental Insurance
-16%Motorcycle Insurance
-11%⚖️ Legal Services in Pierre
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-22%Divorce Lawyer
-23%DUI Lawyer
+8%Immigration Lawyer
-3%Estate Planning Lawyer
0%Workers Comp Lawyer
-24%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-36%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Pierre
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-35%Registered Nurse Salary
-24%Teacher Salary
+3%Electrician Salary
-14%Plumber Salary
-20%Accountant Salary
-33%Physical Therapist Salary
-19%Police Officer Salary
+12%Dentist Salary
-28%Real Estate Agent Salary
-12%How Much Income Do You Need in Pierre?
✅ Best For
- Anyone building an emergency fund
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- First-time business owners
- Families prioritizing savings
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
Before moving to Pierre, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pierre
How does Pierre compare to other cities in SD?
Within South Dakota, Pierre has a cost index of 90. Nearby options include Rapid City and Bismarck, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Pierre, SD expensive to live in?
Pierre's cost of living index is 90, which is 10% below the national average of 100. Pierre is close to the national average in cost.
What is the median household income in Pierre?
The median household income in Pierre is approximately $55,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 90), this goes further than in many US cities.
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