Dodge City, KS vs Gardner, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dodge City is 24.9% cheaper than Gardner. With a cost index of 71 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dodge City to Gardner should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dodge City is $982/month compared to $1,296/month in Gardner — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dodge City is more affordable at $122,800 median vs $276,000.

Median household income in Dodge City is $67,958 compared to $92,579 in Gardner (-26.6%). While Gardner is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dodge City spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16.8% in Gardner.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.9°F vs 55.1°F). Gardner receives more rainfall at 37.5" per year compared to 22" in Dodge City.