City Comparison
Madison vs Rapid City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Madison scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Madison
Rapid City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Madison is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
69% lower compared to Rapid City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Madison's average rent is
42% lower than Rapid City's.
| Metric | Madison | Rapid City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $774 | $1,338 | -42% |
| Groceries | $0 | $340 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $285 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $366 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $774 | $2,479 | -69% |
| Cost Index | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Madison offers 42% higher average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Madison is estimated at
$30,960 vs $50,000 in Rapid City.
| Metric | Madison | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,593 | $46,200 |
| Salary Needed | $30,960 | $50,000 |
| Household Income | $65,593 | $70,870 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Madison runs warmer on average — a 47.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Madison comes out ahead with 277 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Madison sees 22.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Madison | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 8.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 277 | |
| Humidity | % | 59.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Madison has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Rapid City.
Rapid City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Madison leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Madison | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 11 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 4.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rapid City is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Madison.
From a growth perspective, Rapid City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Rapid City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Madison | Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,094 | 88,067 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.83% |
| Median Age | 40.1 | 39.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.00% | 1.90% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madison
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with average rent significantly lower than the national average.
Low violent crime rate, making it a safe place to live with a 'A' safety grade.
Short average commute time of 11.4 minutes, allowing for more personal time.
Strong presence of educational institutions like Dakota State University, contributing to a youthful atmosphere.
Generally lower median property values compared to the national average.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with an 'Exceptionally Drivable' score and limited transit reach.
Walkability is moderate, with a score of 50/100, indicating that most daily errands would require a vehicle.
Population has shown a declining trend in recent years.
Limited major retail and entertainment options within the city, requiring travel to larger centers like Sioux Falls.
The job market has seen a slight decline in employment in recent years.
Rapid City
Advantages
Rapid City experienced a significant population growth rate of 1.83% from 2024 to 2025, indicating a thriving community.
The unemployment rate in Rapid City is exceptionally low at 1.9% in 2026, well below the national average, suggesting a strong job market.
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2025, highlighting high standards of patient safety.
The cost of living in Rapid City is slightly lower than the national average, with a cost of living index of 99, making it a relatively affordable place to reside.
Violent crime in Rapid City has seen a 26% decrease since 2020, reaching a five-year low in 2024, reflecting improved public safety efforts.
Drawbacks
Despite improvements, Rapid City's overall crime rate of 46 per one thousand residents is considered high compared to many communities nationwide.
Demand for housing has at times outpaced supply, contributing to rising costs and potential challenges for new residents.
Grocery prices in Rapid City are slightly higher than the national average, impacting everyday household expenses.
Some tourism-affiliated sectors in Rapid City offer lower-than-average wages, which can affect the overall earning potential for a segment of the workforce.
The city exhibits a medium car dependency, with limited public transit options and most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Madison
#31South Dakota, USA
66.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$774
Avg Salary
$65,593
Cost Index
Commute
11 min
Transit Score
4.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
277/yr
Avg Temp
47.60°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.00%
Livability
75
Business
60
Rapid City
#91South Dakota, USA
56.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,338
Avg Salary
$46,200
Cost Index
99
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.83%
Unemployment
1.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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