Cost of Living in Kansas
Kansas has 16 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Wichita (cost index 88.8) to Kansas City (92.0), with a statewide average around 90.4 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Hutchinson at $883/mo and highest in Leawood at $1,753/mo.
Kansas at a Glance
Cities Tracked
16
with census data
Avg Cost Index
90.4
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,139
per month
Avg Household Income
$82,648
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita | 88.8 | $960 |
| Kansas City | 92.0 | $1,073 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 92.0 | $1,073 |
| Wichita | 88.8 | $960 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Kansas
State Income Tax
5.70%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.50%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Kansas
Kansas Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Wichita | 396,488 | 88.8 | $960 | $179,500 | $63,072 |
| Overland Park | 197,199 | — | $1,455 | $384,400 | $103,838 |
| Kansas City | 154,776 | 92.0 | $1,073 | $147,100 | $59,183 |
| Olathe | 143,720 | — | $1,314 | $340,600 | $112,232 |
| Topeka | 126,103 | — | $947 | $130,600 | $55,902 |
| Lawrence | 95,459 | — | $1,054 | $269,500 | $62,838 |
| Shawnee | 68,175 | — | $1,233 | $332,900 | $106,312 |
| Lenexa | 57,986 | — | $1,429 | $368,800 | $102,344 |
| Manhattan | 53,951 | — | $1,019 | $243,700 | $58,441 |
| Salina | 46,432 | — | $911 | $164,500 | $60,624 |
| Hutchinson | 39,837 | — | $883 | $122,600 | $58,801 |
| Leavenworth | 37,176 | — | $1,135 | $176,000 | $71,239 |
| Leawood | 33,844 | — | $1,753 | $620,400 | $184,976 |
| Garden City | 27,781 | — | $990 | $186,200 | $72,511 |
| Dodge City | 27,652 | — | $982 | $122,800 | $67,958 |
| Derby | 25,801 | — | $1,082 | $221,600 | $82,089 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Kansas cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Kansas cities stack up across the US. For example, Wichita vs Overland Park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Kansas
What is the cost of living in Kansas?
The average cost of living index across cities in Kansas is approximately 90.4 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,139/month and median household income averages around $82,648/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Kansas?
The most affordable cities in Kansas by cost of living index are: 1. Wichita (index 88.8), 2. Kansas City (index 92.0).
What is the median rent in Kansas?
The average median gross rent across cities in Kansas is approximately $1,139/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Kansas?
Kansas's top marginal state income tax rate is 5.70%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Kansas?
Kansas's statewide sales tax rate is 6.50%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Kansas?
Kansas has a cost of living index of approximately 90.4 and average median rent around $1,139/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology