Bel Aire, KS vs Hiawatha, KS

The cost of living difference between Bel Aire, KS and Hiawatha, KS is dramatic. Hiawatha is 52% cheaper than Bel Aire, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bel Aire has a cost index of 93 while Hiawatha sits at 61, 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 Bel Aire is $1,454/month compared to $683/month in Hiawatha — a 113% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hiawatha is more affordable at $112,500 median vs $213,500.

Median household income in Bel Aire is $93,182 compared to $65,058 in Hiawatha (+43.2%). The higher salaries in Bel Aire partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bel Aire spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 12.6% in Hiawatha.

Climate-wise, Bel Aire is notably warmer with an average of 57°F compared to 53.1°F in Hiawatha. Hiawatha receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 32.6" in Bel Aire.