Arkansas City, KS vs Derby, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arkansas City is 25.9% cheaper than Derby. With a cost index of 61 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arkansas City to Derby should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arkansas City is $762/month compared to $1,082/month in Derby — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arkansas City is more affordable at $81,700 median vs $221,600.

Median household income in Arkansas City is $53,475 compared to $82,089 in Derby (-34.9%). While Derby is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arkansas City spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, more than the 15.8% in Derby.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (58.2°F vs 57.7°F). Arkansas City receives more rainfall at 34.9" per year compared to 34.3" in Derby.