Clay Center, KS vs Stockton, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Stockton is 19% cheaper than Clay Center. With a cost index of 60 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Stockton 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 $719/month in Stockton — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stockton is more affordable at $85,300 median vs $133,600.

Median household income in Clay Center is $56,422 compared to $60,964 in Stockton (-7.5%). Stockton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clay Center spend roughly 20.2% of their income on rent, more than the 14.2% in Stockton.