What Is the Cost of Living in Kansas?

The cost of living represents the financial outlay required to maintain a particular standard of life, encompassing fundamental expenditures such as housing, sustenance, taxes, and healthcare. This article provides a comprehensive overview of expenses within Kansas.

Key Living Expenses

Housing is the largest portion of living expenses, and in Kansas, home prices are generally more affordable than the national average. The median home price in Kansas was approximately $229,500 in 2024, notably lower than the national median. For those who prefer to rent, the average fair market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kansas was around $825 per month in 2024, while a two-bedroom apartment averaged $835. Homeowners in Kansas also face property taxes, with an average effective rate of 1.37%, resulting in an annual cost of about $3,144 for a median-priced home.

Utility costs in Kansas are moderate, with the average monthly bill for essential services totaling approximately $335 in 2024. This includes electricity, which averages around $125 to $187 per month, and natural gas, costing about $170 monthly. Water services typically add about $30 to monthly expenses, and internet service, at around $25 per month, is among the least expensive in the country.

Food expenses in Kansas are notably affordable, placing the state as one of the least expensive in the United States for groceries. An individual’s average monthly grocery bill is approximately $261.35. For a two-person household, this amount can range from $522 to $540 per month for groceries. Dining out costs vary, but residents spend around $95.28 weekly on food consumed outside the home.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Kansas was around $3.48 in early 2024, slightly below the national average. Car insurance premiums in Kansas average between $158 and $210 per vehicle each month, though these figures can fluctuate based on specific coverage and location. While comprehensive public transportation is not widespread across the entire state, major metropolitan areas like Wyandotte and Johnson Counties connect with the Kansas City, Missouri, transit network, offering options for commuters.

Healthcare costs are another important consideration, with the average monthly health insurance premium in Kansas being about $486, slightly higher than the national average. For those with employer-sponsored plans, the annual cost averages around $1,647.

Kansas Compared to Other Regions

Kansas generally offers a more affordable cost of living when compared to the national average, frequently ranking among the states with the lowest expenses. The state’s overall cost of living index is approximately 82.9, indicating it is about 17.1% less expensive than the national average, which is set at 100.

A closer look at specific categories reveals where Kansas’s cost advantages lie. Housing costs are notably lower, with median home prices being considerably less than the national median, offering substantial savings for homebuyers. Food expenses are also among the lowest in the country, contributing significantly to the state’s overall affordability. Utility costs are moderate, with electricity and natural gas rates often below national averages. Transportation costs, including gasoline prices, are also typically lower in Kansas compared to the rest of the nation.

The state’s average household income, at $97,625 in 2024, is approximately 12% lower than the U.S. average, which provides context for purchasing power within the state. The median household income was $72,639 in 2023. For a household to be considered middle class in Kansas, incomes generally range from $48,426 to $145,278 as of 2025. When compared to neighboring states, Kansas maintains a competitive edge; for instance, it is approximately 6.0% cheaper than Missouri, which also has a below-average cost of living.

Cost Differences Across Kansas

The cost of living within Kansas is not uniform and exhibits variations depending on the specific geographic location. Urban centers typically present higher living expenses compared to more rural areas due to factors like population density, demand for services, and local economic conditions. For instance, cities with larger populations and more developed amenities tend to have elevated costs.

Housing costs, in particular, demonstrate considerable differences across the state. The median home price in Wichita, a major metropolitan area, was around $189,000 in 2024, while in Kansas City (Kansas side), it was $285,000. Topeka, the state capital, had a median home price of approximately $172,800. In contrast, suburban areas like Overland Park show higher median home values, reaching around $425,487 in March 2023.

Rent prices also reflect this internal disparity; for example, the monthly rent in Kansas City, Kansas, was about $1,007. Property tax rates, which significantly impact homeownership costs, vary by county, with some counties experiencing much higher rates than others. These localized differences mean that an individual’s personal cost of living in Kansas will be heavily influenced by their specific residential choice within the state.