Ellsworth, KS vs Independence, KS

Ellsworth, KS and Independence, KS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Ellsworth scores 64 while Independence scores 62 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $693/month compared to $790/month in Independence — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ellsworth has cheaper rent, Independence actually has lower median home values ($78,500 vs $143,600).

Median household income in Ellsworth is $65,357 compared to $49,164 in Independence (+32.9%). While Ellsworth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellsworth spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 19.3% in Independence.

Climate-wise, Independence is notably warmer with an average of 58.8°F compared to 55.8°F in Ellsworth. Independence receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 29.7" in Ellsworth.