City Comparison
Hutchinson vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hutchinson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hutchinson
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hutchinson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Grants Pass.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hutchinson's average rent is
41% lower than Grants Pass's.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,450 | -41% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $400 | -56% |
| Transport | $310 | $120 | +158% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $1,945 | $2,570 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 21% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hutchinson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hutchinson is estimated at
$42,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,195 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hutchinson runs warmer on average — a 57.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hutchinson comes out ahead with 279 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hutchinson sees 13.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 33.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 279 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Hutchinson scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hutchinson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hutchinson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,000 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 5.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hutchinson
Advantages
Median home prices in Hutchinson are significantly lower than the national average per U.S. Census data.
Average commute times under 17 minutes provide superior daily quality of life.
Home to world-class educational and cultural assets including the Cosmosphere and Strataca.
Abundant outdoor recreational spaces, including the expansive Carey Park and local trail systems.
Strong local healthcare infrastructure anchored by the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options necessitate high car dependency for daily errands.
Hot summer temperatures and cold winter winds require higher seasonal utility management.
Slower job growth rates in certain traditional sectors compared to major Kansas metropolitan hubs.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for young adults seeking a fast-paced urban scene.
Vulnerability to severe weather typical of central Kansas, including occasional high winds and storms.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hutchinson
#189Kansas, USA
64.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$51,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
279/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
73
Business
65
Grants Pass
#584Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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