Clay Center, KS vs Parsons, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Parsons is 20% cheaper than Clay Center. With a cost index of 59 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Parsons to Clay Center should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clay Center is $950/month compared to $743/month in Parsons — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parsons is more affordable at $70,300 median vs $133,600.

Median household income in Clay Center is $56,422 compared to $50,838 in Parsons (+11%). The higher salaries in Clay Center partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Clay Center spend roughly 20.2% of their income on rent, more than the 17.5% in Parsons.