Cost of Living in Brookings, SD - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $910 (excluding rent), and $2,598 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,156 (excluding rent), and $4,770 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.42 $17.42

$9.95 $9.95

$29.86 $29.86

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.59 $40.59

$152 $152

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.56 $11.56

$8.04 $8.04

$15.08 $15.08

Cappuccino

$4.58 $4.58

$3.05 $3.05

$10.18 $10.18

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.56 $2.56

$2.05 $2.05

$5.12 $5.12

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 $1.97

$3.94 $3.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.02 $6.02

$5.01 $5.01

$8.02 $8.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.19 $7.19

$6.16 $6.16

$12.33 $12.33

Milk (1 liter)

$0.93 $0.93

$0.71 $0.71

$1.29 $1.29

White Bread (500g)

$3.54 $3.54

$2.14 $2.14

$5.39 $5.39

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.56 $5.56

$2.01 $2.01

$11.3 $11.3

Eggs

$4.17 $4.17

$1.7 $1.7

$7.02 $7.02

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.33 $11.33

$6.16 $6.16

$44.17 $44.17

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.52 $14.52

$6.73 $6.73

$22.82 $22.82

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.8 $11.8

$8.08 $8.08

$21.88 $21.88

Apples (1kg)

$6.23 $6.23

$2.46 $2.46

$10.84 $10.84

Banana (1kg)

$1.56 $1.56

$1.24 $1.24

$4.53 $4.53

Oranges (1kg)

$6.83 $6.83

$2.06 $2.06

$15.21 $15.21

Tomato (1kg)

$5.53 $5.53

$2.18 $2.18

$10.92 $10.92

Potato (1kg)

$3.14 $3.14

$1.53 $1.53

$8.89 $8.89

Onion (1kg)

$3.72 $3.72

$2.17 $2.17

$8.1 $8.1

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.51 $2.51

$0.98 $0.98

$4.97 $4.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$0.49 $0.49

$3.4 $3.4

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.98 $11.98

$9.12 $9.12

$14.98 $14.98

Wine (Bottle)

$12.02 $12.02

$8 $8

$25.04 $25.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.16 $2.16

$1.4 $1.4

$3.48 $3.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.14 $5.14

$1.54 $1.54

$8.23 $8.23

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.22 $1.22

$1.96 $1.96

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.67 $4.67

$9.94 $9.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.53 $1.53

$1.69 $1.69

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.02 $24.02

$50 $50

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.91 $0.91

$0.76 $0.76

$1.35 $1.35

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.6K $29.6K

$25.3K $25.3K

$41.4K $41.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$25.2K $25.2K

$32K $32K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$159 $159

$127 $127

$197 $197

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$51.7 $51.7

$30.07 $30.07

$100 $100

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69.6 $69.6

$49.88 $49.88

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.78 $42.78

$17.41 $17.41

$49.75 $49.75

Cinema Ticket

$11.87 $11.87

$17.81 $17.81

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,608 $1,608

$1,050 $1,050

$2,000 $2,000

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$26.9K $26.9K

$21.8K $21.8K

$36.5K $36.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.36 $42.36

$30.26 $30.26

$90.8 $90.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.39 $34.39

$24.56 $24.56

$78.6 $78.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.3 $89.3

$55.2 $55.2

$139 $139

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$117 $117

$74.8 $74.8

$150 $150

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,632 $1,632

$1,222 $1,222

$1,891 $1,891

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,350 $1,350

$997 $997

$1,496 $1,496

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,667 $2,667

$2,028 $2,028

$3,042 $3,042

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,264 $2,264

$1,732 $1,732

$2,547 $2,547

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,737 $2,737

$2,085 $2,085

$3,191 $3,191

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,170 $3,170

$2,138 $2,138

$4,362 $4,362

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Brookings, SD - Frequently Asked Questions

Brookings offers a gentle balance of value and ease compared with larger metros. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you’ll typically find housing options that feel affordable for a small city, with a clear split between campus-adjacent and quieter residential zones. Groceries, dining, and services tend to be reasonably priced, and the pace helps you stretch daily budgets. The overall vibe leans toward practicality, safety, and access to outdoors, which makes longer stays comfortable without breaking the bank. Cost of Living in Brookings, SD, United States feels manageable for a town of this size, especially if you stay flexible about location and season. Tip: look for extended-stay options and off-peak activity times to maximize value.

Daily life revolves around a compact center with SDSU nearby, offering a mix of rentals from apartments to family homes. Housing search is straightforward if you focus on neighborhoods a short walk or bike ride from campus or the main downtown strip. Food options range from grocery stores to casual eateries; you can keep meals budget-friendly by cooking at home or taking advantage of student-friendly lunch specials. Local transit and biking help with errands and commuting; you’ll often find coworking-friendly spots with reliable wifi. Brookings, SD, United States living cost remains approachable for short and long stays, especially outside peak summer events. Tip: map out a weekly plan to bundle shopping and errands.

Quality of life in Brookings combines safety, community, and access to nature. You can optimize your budget with a simple framework: separate fixed costs (housing) from flexible ones (food, transport, leisure) and adjust by season. In warmer months, outdoor activities can replace paid entertainment; in colder months, set aside time for indoor coworking and budget-friendly cafes. Neighborhood fit matters: downtown offers buzz and restaurants, while residential zones provide quieter evenings and shorter commutes. For overall value, compare stay length and choose the option that minimizes recurring moves or rent increases. Tip: establish a monthly review to rebalance your budget as seasons shift and plans change.