Derby, KS vs Merriam, KS

Derby is moderately more affordable than Merriam, with a 6.2% lower cost of living index. Derby scores 82 compared to 88 for Merriam, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Merriam 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 $1,161/month in Merriam — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Derby is more affordable at $221,600 median vs $242,400.

Median household income in Derby is $82,089 compared to $71,665 in Merriam (+14.5%). Derby offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Derby spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.4% in Merriam.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (57.7°F vs 56.9°F). Merriam receives more rainfall at 38.1" per year compared to 34.3" in Derby.