Paola, KS vs Wellsville, KS

Paola, KS and Wellsville, KS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Paola scores 81 while Wellsville scores 85 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 Paola is $1,069/month compared to $1,264/month in Wellsville — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Paola has cheaper rent, Wellsville actually has lower median home values ($166,100 vs $195,000).

Median household income in Paola is $73,281 compared to $67,292 in Wellsville (+8.9%). Paola offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Paola spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, less than the 22.5% in Wellsville.