Ellsworth, KS vs Fort Riley, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ellsworth is 27.9% cheaper than Fort Riley. With a cost index of 64 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ellsworth to Fort Riley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $693/month compared to $1,283/month in Fort Riley — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellsworth is more affordable at $143,600 median vs $222,100.

Median household income in Ellsworth is $65,357 compared to $52,823 in Fort Riley (+23.7%). Ellsworth offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellsworth spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 29.1% in Fort Riley.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.8°F vs 55°F). Fort Riley receives more rainfall at 32.2" per year compared to 29.7" in Ellsworth.