Paola, KS vs Sterling, KS

The cost of living difference between Paola, KS and Sterling, KS is dramatic. Sterling is 33.8% cheaper than Paola, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Paola has a cost index of 81 while Sterling sits at 61, 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 $618/month in Sterling — a 73% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $130,200 median vs $195,000.

Median household income in Paola is $73,281 compared to $51,304 in Sterling (+42.8%). While Paola is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Paola spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.5% in Sterling.