Hays, KS vs Hutchinson, KS

Hutchinson is moderately more affordable than Hays, with a 12.1% lower cost of living index. Hays scores 76 compared to 68 for Hutchinson, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hays can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hays is $890/month compared to $883/month in Hutchinson — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hutchinson is more affordable at $122,600 median vs $220,100.

Median household income in Hays is $56,861 compared to $58,801 in Hutchinson (-3.3%). Hutchinson offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18% in Hutchinson.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.8°F vs 56.1°F). Hutchinson receives more rainfall at 28.3" per year compared to 24.8" in Hays.