Kansas cost of living
Moving, especially to a new state, means figuring out a lot of details. For most of us, one of the most important questions is, “How much is this going to cost me?” We’ve looked at cost of living data in Kansas so you can focus on other details that are important for you and your family.
The median rent in Kansas is $1,021.11, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Kansas spend $250.88 weekly on food at home and $95.28 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.03 in Kansas.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Kansas pay $1,647 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Kansas
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Kansas is $1,021.11, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Kansas broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Kansas had a median cost of $825 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $957 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,161 and $1,361, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Kansas is $263,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The National Association of Realtors reported a median home price of $219,900 in the Wichita metro area in the first quarter of 2024. The same data shows a median home price of $183,900 in the Topeka metro.
Kansas ranks No. 15 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.34%.
» COMPARE: Best moving companies
Food costs in Kansas
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Kansas is $250.88, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Kansas residents spend an average of $95.28 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Kansas
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Kansas is $3.03, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Kansas is $990.69, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Although no Kansas cities made our 2024 list of cities with the best public transit, Wyandotte County and Johnson County transit systems connect with the Kansas City, Missouri, public transit network, giving transit riders many options to get around the large multistate metro. Check with RideKC for routes and schedules.
Health care costs in Kansas
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Kansas employees $1,647 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,238 of the $6,885 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Kansas
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Kansas is $129.80, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Kansas costs $10.64 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Kansas compare with the national average?
Overall, Kansas has a fairly low cost of living. Don’t let the above-average property taxes (as of publishing) surprise you, though.
What are the most expensive cities in Kansas?
Johnson County, which borders the state of Missouri in the Kansas City metro, has the highest rents and home prices in Kansas as of publishing.
How many public colleges and universities does Kansas have?
The state has 32 public higher education institutions, including six universities, one municipal university, 19 community colleges and six technical colleges.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
