Great Bend, KS vs Iola, KS

Iola is moderately more affordable than Great Bend, with a 8.5% lower cost of living index. Great Bend scores 63 compared to 58 for Iola, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Great Bend can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Great Bend is $744/month compared to $689/month in Iola — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Iola is more affordable at $78,100 median vs $118,700.

Median household income in Great Bend is $53,323 compared to $50,417 in Iola (+5.8%). The higher salaries in Great Bend partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Great Bend spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.4% in Iola.

Climate-wise, Iola is notably warmer with an average of 58°F compared to 54.8°F in Great Bend. Iola receives more rainfall at 40.7" per year compared to 24.8" in Great Bend.