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Derby, KS vs Hays, KS

82
Derby
Kansas
VS
+8%
76
Hays
Kansas

Hays is moderately more affordable than Derby, with a 8% lower cost of living index. Derby scores 82 compared to 76 for Hays, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Derby can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Derby is $1,082/month compared to $890/month in Hays — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $220,100 median vs $221,600.

Median household income in Derby is $82,089 compared to $56,861 in Hays (+44.4%). While Derby is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Derby spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18.8% in Hays.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (57.7°F vs 54.8°F). Derby receives more rainfall at 34.3" per year compared to 24.8" in Hays.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Derby
82
Hays
76
7% cheaper
Median Household Income
Derby
$82,089
31% higher
Hays
$56,861

Housing

Median Rent
Derby
$1,082
Hays
$890
18% cheaper
Median Home Value
Derby
$221,600
Hays
$220,100
1% cheaper
Population
Derby
25,801
Hays
21,078

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Derby $2.96
Hays
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Derby $2.41
Hays
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Derby $3.89
Hays
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Derby $1.79
Hays
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Derby $4.00
Hays
US $4.14
Electricity
Derby $0.17
Hays
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Derby 57.7°F
Hays 54.8°F
Summer High
Derby 93°F
Hays 93°F
Winter Low
Derby 23°F
Hays 19°F
Rainfall
Derby 34.3"
Hays 24.8"
Rainy Days
Derby 87d
Hays 83d