Hays, KS vs Manhattan, KS

Hays is moderately more affordable than Manhattan, with a 7.6% lower cost of living index. Hays scores 76 compared to 82 for Manhattan, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Manhattan 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 $1,019/month in Manhattan — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $220,100 median vs $243,700.

Median household income in Hays is $56,861 compared to $58,441 in Manhattan (-2.7%). Manhattan does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 20.9% in Manhattan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.8°F vs 55°F). Manhattan receives more rainfall at 32.2" per year compared to 24.8" in Hays.