Hays, KS vs Mission, KS
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hays is 15.8% cheaper than Mission. With a cost index of 76 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hays to Mission should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Hays is $890/month compared to $1,181/month in Mission — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hays is more affordable at $220,100 median vs $268,500.
Median household income in Hays is $56,861 compared to $74,396 in Mission (-23.6%). While Mission is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in Mission.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.8°F vs 56.9°F). Mission receives more rainfall at 38.1" per year compared to 24.8" in Hays.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)