Benton, KS vs Melvern, KS

The cost of living difference between Benton, KS and Melvern, KS is dramatic. Melvern is 41.4% cheaper than Benton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Benton has a cost index of 76 while Melvern sits at 54, 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 Benton is $989/month compared to $539/month in Melvern — a 84% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melvern is more affordable at $90,000 median vs $179,600.

Median household income in Benton is $89,531 compared to $57,250 in Melvern (+56.4%). While Benton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Benton spend roughly 13.3% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in Melvern.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (57°F vs 55.4°F). Melvern receives more rainfall at 36.7" per year compared to 32.6" in Benton.