City Comparison
Hutchinson vs Shawnee
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hutchinson
Shawnee
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hutchinson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Shawnee.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hutchinson's average rent is
41% lower than Shawnee's.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Shawnee | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,450 | -41% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $310 | $115 | +170% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $240 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $1,945 | $2,400 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 35% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee 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 Shawnee.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,195 idx | 79,592 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $95,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.6°F of each other.
For sunshine, Hutchinson comes out ahead with 13 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shawnee sees 4.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 86.50°F | 86.30°F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | 22.10°F |
| Rainfall | 33.50 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 13.30 in | 17.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 279 | 266 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hutchinson has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Shawnee.
For walkability, Hutchinson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shawnee is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Hutchinson.
From a growth perspective, Shawnee is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,000 | 67,311 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 2.80% |
| 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.
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
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
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
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