Ashland, KS vs Elk City, KS

Ashland, KS and Elk City, KS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Ashland scores 59 while Elk City scores 61 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 Ashland is $725/month compared to $921/month in Elk City — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ashland has cheaper rent, Elk City actually has lower median home values ($22,300 vs $67,100).

Median household income in Ashland is $62,500 compared to $35,417 in Elk City (+76.5%). Ashland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashland spend roughly 13.9% of their income on rent, less than the 31.2% in Elk City. The Ashland ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.9°F vs 58°F). Elk City receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 22" in Ashland.