đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Brookings and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Brookings vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Brookings | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $61,979 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.1% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $265,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $125 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $789 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 102.9 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 87.7 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 399.7 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 49.7% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 28 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Brookings: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Welcome to the clash of the titans—or should we say, the clash of the titans and the tiny town. On one side, you have Los Angeles, the sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis where dreams are made (and sometimes crushed by traffic). On the other, Brookings, the quiet, Midwestern gem that feels like a time capsule of affordable living.
Choosing between these two is like deciding between a high-octane espresso shot and a comforting cup of herbal tea. One gets your heart racing, the other soothes the soul. So, grab your coffee (or your green juice), and let's break down which city deserves your zip code.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back College Town
Los Angeles is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s a 24/7 city where you can find world-class museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and every type of outdoor activity—from surfing at Malibu to hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains. The culture is a melting pot of creativity, ambition, and diversity. It’s the city for the hustler, the artist, the dreamer, and anyone who thrives on energy and endless options.
Brookings, on the other hand, is the definition of a laid-back college town. Home to South Dakota State University, it has a youthful, intellectual vibe without the chaos. Think farmers' markets, quiet bike paths, and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where neighbors know each other by name, and the biggest traffic jam is waiting for the train to pass. This is the city for those who value simplicity, safety, and a slower pace of life.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles is for the career-driven professional, the creative, the foodie, and anyone who craves the energy of a world-class city.
- Brookings is for families seeking affordability, retirees looking for peace, and students or academics who want a supportive, tight-knit environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?
Let’s talk numbers, because this is where the sticker shock sets in. The cost of living is the single biggest differentiator here. We’re not just talking about a difference; we’re talking about a chasm.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles | Brookings | Winner (Lower Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $265,000 | Brookings (by a landslide) |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $789 | Brookings |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above US avg) | 102.9 (2.9% above US avg) | Brookings |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
The median income in LA is $79,701, while in Brookings it’s $61,979. At first glance, LA seems to have the edge. But let’s run the math on purchasing power.
If you earn $100,000 in Brookings, your money stretches like warm taffy. You can afford a beautiful home, a new car, and still have plenty left for savings and vacations. The same salary in LA feels like a tightrope walk. After California’s high income tax (up to 13.3%) and the astronomical housing costs, that $100,000 evaporates quickly.
Insight on Taxes:
California has a progressive income tax system that can take a significant bite out of your paycheck. South Dakota, famously, has no state income tax. This is a massive financial advantage. You keep more of what you earn in Brookings, which directly boosts your purchasing power.
Verdict: For pure dollar power, Brookings is the undisputed champion. Your salary goes infinitely further here.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles:
- Buyer’s Market? Absolutely not. It’s a relentless Seller’s market. With a median home price over $1 million, buying is a monumental challenge for the average person. Competition is fierce, often involving all-cash offers and bidding wars. Renting is more common, but even that is expensive and comes with fierce competition for desirable units.
- Availability: Extremely limited inventory. You’re paying a premium for location, weather, and access to amenities.
Brookings:
- Buyer’s Market? Yes, it’s a much more balanced market. With a median home price of $265,000, homeownership is an attainable dream for many. You get significantly more square footage and land for your money.
- Availability: Decent inventory, especially in the single-family home category. Renting is also easy and affordable, with a 1BR average of just $789.
Verdict: If you dream of owning a home, Brookings makes it possible. If you’re okay with renting long-term or have a high six-figure income, LA’s market is manageable.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute is long, and rush hour is a state of mind. Public transit exists but is often not the most efficient option. Car ownership is a non-negotiable, and you’ll spend a lot of time in it.
- Brookings: What traffic? The biggest delay might be waiting for a tractor to cross the road. Commutes are measured in minutes, not hours. Walkability is high in the core, and biking is a popular mode of transport.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The poster child for Mediterranean climate. Average highs in the 70s year-round, with plenty of sunshine. It’s dry, so humidity is rarely an issue. The biggest complaints are the marine layer (June Gloom) and the occasional heatwave.
- Brookings: A true four-season experience. The data point of 19.0°F is just the annual average. Winters are harsh, with significant snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. Summers are hot and humid. This is a dealbreaker for anyone who hates cold or snow.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: Violent Crime Rate: 732.5 per 100,000. While LA has many safe neighborhoods, the city-wide crime rate is above the national average. Safety can vary dramatically by block, so research is essential.
- Brookings: Violent Crime Rate: 399.7 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than LA and closer to the national average. Brookings is generally considered a very safe community where people feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked.
Verdict: For safety and sanity (i.e., traffic), Brookings wins. For weather, Los Angeles is the clear favorite for most.
The Final Verdict
Winner for Families: Brookings
Why: The math is simple. You can buy a spacious home in a safe neighborhood for a fraction of LA’s cost. The community is family-oriented, with excellent schools and low crime. While you sacrifice big-city amenities, you gain financial stability and a nurturing environment for kids to grow up in. The brutal winters are the only major trade-off.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
Why: If you’re early in your career and want access to top-tier jobs in entertainment, tech, or business, LA is unbeatable. The networking opportunities, social scene, and sheer variety of experiences are unparalleled. You’ll pay for it, but for the right person, the energy and opportunity are worth the price of admission.
Winner for Retirees: Brookings
Why: This is a no-brainer. Your retirement savings will go 3-4 times further. The slow pace, low crime, and strong community are perfect for a relaxed life. The only caveat is if you’re a snowbird or have health conditions made worse by extreme cold. Otherwise, Brookings offers a financially secure and peaceful retirement.
Final Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
Pros:
- World-class culture, food, and entertainment.
- Incredible career opportunities and industries.
- Perfect, sunny weather year-round.
- Diverse, dynamic population.
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living (especially housing).
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High state income tax.
- Higher crime rates in many areas.
Brookings
Pros:
- Unbeatable affordability (housing, rent, overall COL).
- No state income tax (massive financial benefit).
- Safe, tight-knit, family-friendly community.
- Easy commutes and low stress.
Cons:
- Harsh, long winters with heavy snow and cold.
- Limited entertainment and dining options.
- Fewer high-paying job opportunities outside of education/healthcare.
- Can feel isolated or “boring” for those craving constant stimulation.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing dreams, weather, and city life and have the financial means (or the tolerance for hustle) to afford it. Choose Brookings if you’re prioritizing financial freedom, safety, and a peaceful, community-focused life and can handle the winter. The data doesn’t lie: your dollar stretches infinitely further in South Dakota, but for some, the LA dream is worth every penny.