Merriam, KS vs Scott City, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Scott City is 28.2% cheaper than Merriam. With a cost index of 68 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Scott City to Merriam should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Merriam is $1,161/month compared to $778/month in Scott City — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Scott City is more affordable at $166,400 median vs $242,400.

Median household income in Merriam is $71,665 compared to $54,026 in Scott City (+32.6%). While Merriam is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Merriam spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in Scott City.