Ellinwood, KS vs Paola, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ellinwood is 25.7% cheaper than Paola. With a cost index of 60 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ellinwood to Paola should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellinwood is $702/month compared to $1,069/month in Paola — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellinwood is more affordable at $94,800 median vs $195,000.

Median household income in Ellinwood is $55,332 compared to $73,281 in Paola (-24.5%). The higher salaries in Paola partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellinwood spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.5% in Paola.