Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Aberdeen and Brookings, South Dakota. Using South Dakota's 1.22% property tax rate and $2,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Aberdeen edges out Brookings in affordability, saving you roughly $354/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in South Dakota, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses South Dakota's 1.22% property tax rate.
Buying in Aberdeen saves you approximately $354/month ($4,248/year) compared to Brookings, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Aberdeen is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $215K versus $265K in Brookings. That's $50K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $8K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Aberdeen, compared to $9K in Brookings. South Dakota offers the SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer program (Fixed-rate FTB loans) which applies in both cities.
Aberdeen has the better price-to-rent ratio at 20.4x versus 23.2x in Brookings. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Aberdeen is $880/month on a $215K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Aberdeen (pop. 28,324) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Brookings (pop. 24,895) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Aberdeen offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.