Abilene, KS vs El Dorado, KS

Abilene, KS and El Dorado, KS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.5% difference in their overall index. Abilene scores 66 while El Dorado scores 67 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $788/month compared to $877/month in El Dorado — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Abilene has cheaper rent, El Dorado actually has lower median home values ($113,800 vs $136,000).

Median household income in Abilene is $56,592 compared to $54,828 in El Dorado (+3.2%). Abilene offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Abilene spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in El Dorado.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.8°F vs 57°F). El Dorado receives more rainfall at 32.6" per year compared to 29.7" in Abilene.