Abilene, KS vs Arkansas City, KS

Arkansas City is moderately more affordable than Abilene, with a 8.6% lower cost of living index. Abilene scores 66 compared to 61 for Arkansas City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Abilene can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $788/month compared to $762/month in Arkansas City — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arkansas City is more affordable at $81,700 median vs $136,000.

Median household income in Abilene is $56,592 compared to $53,475 in Arkansas City (+5.8%). The higher salaries in Abilene partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Abilene spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Arkansas City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.8°F vs 58.2°F). Arkansas City receives more rainfall at 34.9" per year compared to 29.7" in Abilene.