Atchison, KS vs Fairway, KS

The cost of living difference between Atchison, KS and Fairway, KS is dramatic. Atchison is 54.7% cheaper than Fairway, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Atchison has a cost index of 64 while Fairway sits at 141, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Atchison is $736/month compared to $1,867/month in Fairway — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Atchison is more affordable at $130,200 median vs $626,600.

Median household income in Atchison is $54,695 compared to $159,821 in Fairway (-65.8%). While Fairway is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Atchison spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14% in Fairway.

Climate-wise, Fairway is notably warmer with an average of 56.9°F compared to 53.7°F in Atchison. Fairway receives more rainfall at 38.1" per year compared to 34.8" in Atchison.