Benton, KS vs Sterling, KS
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sterling is 25.5% cheaper than Benton. With a cost index of 61 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sterling to Benton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Benton is $989/month compared to $618/month in Sterling — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $130,200 median vs $179,600.
Median household income in Benton is $89,531 compared to $51,304 in Sterling (+74.5%). 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, less than the 14.5% in Sterling.
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