Baxter Springs, KS vs Wathena, KS

Baxter Springs is moderately more affordable than Wathena, with a 9.5% lower cost of living index. Baxter Springs scores 61 compared to 67 for Wathena, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Wathena can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Baxter Springs is $792/month compared to $794/month in Wathena — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Baxter Springs is more affordable at $87,600 median vs $154,800.

Median household income in Baxter Springs is $60,139 compared to $84,531 in Wathena (-28.9%). While Wathena is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Baxter Springs spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in Wathena.