Arkansas City, KS vs Paola, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arkansas City is 24.8% cheaper than Paola. With a cost index of 61 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arkansas City to Paola should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arkansas City is $762/month compared to $1,069/month in Paola — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arkansas City is more affordable at $81,700 median vs $195,000.

Median household income in Arkansas City is $53,475 compared to $73,281 in Paola (-27%). While Paola 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, less than the 17.5% in Paola.