Dodge City, KS vs Merriam, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dodge City is 19% cheaper than Merriam. With a cost index of 71 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dodge City to Merriam should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dodge City is $982/month compared to $1,161/month in Merriam — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dodge City is more affordable at $122,800 median vs $242,400.

Median household income in Dodge City is $67,958 compared to $71,665 in Merriam (-5.2%). Merriam does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Dodge City spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.4% in Merriam.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.9°F vs 56.9°F). Merriam receives more rainfall at 38.1" per year compared to 22" in Dodge City.