Columbus, KS vs Highland, KS

Columbus, KS and Highland, KS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.4% difference in their overall index. Columbus scores 60 while Highland scores 58 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Columbus is $768/month compared to $578/month in Highland — a 33% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Highland has cheaper rent, Columbus actually has lower median home values ($85,800 vs $121,800).

Median household income in Columbus is $39,936 compared to $77,500 in Highland (-48.5%). Highland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbus spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, more than the 8.9% in Highland.

Climate-wise, Columbus is notably warmer with an average of 58.1°F compared to 53.7°F in Highland. Columbus receives more rainfall at 45.6" per year compared to 34.8" in Highland.