Performance
Score Breakdown
Dell Rapids
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dell Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
62% lower compared to Los Angeles.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dell Rapids's average rent is
100% lower than Los Angeles's.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $2,184 | -100% |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 | +11% |
| Utilities | $200 | $231 | -13% |
| Transport | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $150 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,150 | $3,015 | -62% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 149 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dell Rapids offers 20% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dell Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dell Rapids is estimated at
$75,000 vs $61,558 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,307 | $48,651 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $61,558 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,786 idx | 32,652 idx |
| Household Income | $100,170 | $81,939 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Dell Rapids has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
Dell Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dell Rapids leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dell Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dell Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,815 | 3,863,148 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 1.80% | 5.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $1,000.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dell Rapids
Advantages
Median household income of $100,170 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic well-being for residents.
High homeownership rate of 82.3% in 2024 suggests a stable and desirable housing market for residents.
The state of South Dakota, which Dell Rapids is part of, had a very low unemployment rate of 1.8% in 2024, indicating a healthy job market in the region.
The median sale price of homes increased by 15.1% over the three months ending May 2026, showing appreciation in property values.
Dell Rapids offers a strong sense of community and a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with access to natural amenities like the Big Sioux River.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.96% in 2026.
Employment in Dell Rapids experienced a decline of -2.49% from 2023 to 2024.
The city is highly car-dependent, with limited public transit and walkability, necessitating personal vehicle ownership for most transportation needs.
Long-term care costs in South Dakota, including assisted living and nursing home care, are substantial, with assisted living averaging $5,341 per month in 2024.
Specific city-level data for various economic indicators like job growth rate and new business growth rate are not readily available, making detailed economic analysis challenging.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, particularly in entertainment, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering varied job opportunities.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Healthcare quality is high, with major institutions like LA General Medical Center receiving top safety grades and exceeding state benchmarks.
Los Angeles is a global cultural hub, offering a rich array of arts, dining, and entertainment options.
Homicides in Los Angeles decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the lowest number since 1966.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly high, with housing expenses being 135% higher than the national average.
Los Angeles is a highly car-dependent city, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times, averaging 30 minutes.
The city's population is experiencing a slight annual decline, with a -0.15% growth rate projected for 2026.
Despite improvements, Los Angeles's safety score of 58/100 indicates a moderate crime rate, higher than the average U.S. city.
Utility costs in Los Angeles are 9% higher than the national average, adding to the overall expense of living.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dell Rapids
#49South Dakota, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$58,307
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
75
Business
60
Los Angeles
#64California, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,184
Avg Salary
$48,651
Cost Index
149
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
Business
75
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