Hill City, KS vs Rolla, KS

Hill City, KS and Rolla, KS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Hill City scores 61 while Rolla scores 58 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 Hill City is $729/month compared to $713/month in Rolla — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rolla is more affordable at $69,200 median vs $89,300.

Median household income in Hill City is $49,899 compared to $61,250 in Rolla (-18.5%). Rolla offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hill City spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14% in Rolla.