Paola, KS vs Phillipsburg, KS

The cost of living difference between Paola, KS and Phillipsburg, KS is dramatic. Phillipsburg is 38.1% cheaper than Paola, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Paola has a cost index of 81 while Phillipsburg sits at 59, 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 Paola is $1,069/month compared to $654/month in Phillipsburg — a 64% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Phillipsburg is more affordable at $93,900 median vs $195,000.

Median household income in Paola is $73,281 compared to $58,125 in Phillipsburg (+26.1%). The higher salaries in Paola partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Paola spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 13.5% in Phillipsburg.