Merriam, KS vs Ulysses, KS

The cost of living difference between Merriam, KS and Ulysses, KS is dramatic. Ulysses is 40.9% cheaper than Merriam, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Merriam has a cost index of 88 while Ulysses sits at 62, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Merriam is $1,161/month compared to $692/month in Ulysses — a 68% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ulysses is more affordable at $123,100 median vs $242,400.

Median household income in Merriam is $71,665 compared to $63,765 in Ulysses (+12.4%). Merriam 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 Merriam spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 13% in Ulysses.