Kansas cost of living
Can you afford to live in the Sunflower State?
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Relocating to Kansas brings a unique blend of Midwestern charm and practical affordability. But major decisions like choosing a home, securing health care or budgeting for transportation all hinge on knowing what typical expenses look like in Kansas.
While Kansas has a lower cost of living than much of the country, everyone’s experience is different, and costs can vary widely depending on where you choose to settle.
To determine the cost of living in Kansas, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Kansas spend $49,348 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Kansas is $1,075, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Kansas spend $250.88 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $2.83 in Kansas.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Kansas pay $1,813 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Kansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Kansas was $49,348 in 2023. This number reflects typical expenses for Kansas residents, including housing, health care, food, energy and other daily costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Kansas:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Kansas |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $7,802 |
| Health care | $8,523 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $4,526 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,365 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $27,132 |
| Total cost | $49,348 |
Housing costs in Kansas
For most households, rent or mortgage payments are the single largest monthly expense. In Kansas, recent data from Apartments.com shows the average rent is $1,075, noticeably less than the national average of $1,639. Kansas offers a range of rental options, and prices can fluctuate based on city size and neighborhood.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey breaks down average monthly rents in Kansas:
- One-bedroom rent: $855
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,030
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,206
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,343
If homeownership is your goal, Kansas offers a median home price of $312,900, which is much less than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes are another factor to consider — Kansas ranks No. 12 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, coming in at 1.19%.
» COMPARE: Best moving companies in Kansas
Food costs in Kansas
Grocery bills in Kansas are often easier on the wallet than in many other states. According to the latest U.S. Census data, the average household spends $250.88 per week on groceries, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
How much you spend on food in Kansas is shaped by your habits. Shoppers who stick to home-cooked meals and take advantage of local produce or bulk deals can stretch their food budgets. Eating out frequently, especially in larger cities or entertainment districts, will push costs higher. Smaller towns and rural areas tend to have lower restaurant prices, while urban centers may offer more variety but at a premium.
Transportation costs in Kansas
Fuel and vehicle costs are another important part of the Kansas budget. The average price for regular gasoline in Kansas is $2.83, which is less than the national average of $3.13.
For auto insurance, Kansas drivers pay an average premium of $1,052.03, compared with the national average of $1,258. This can be a meaningful savings for families with multiple vehicles.
Health care costs in Kansas
Health care spending is a key concern for most families. In Kansas, the average annual employee contribution for employer-based health insurance is $1,813, with employers paying the remaining $5,762 of the $7,575 total premium.
Nationally, the average employee contribution is $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Kansas
Utility costs in Kansas are a necessary part of your monthly budget. The average electric bill is $117.91 each month, compared with $136.84 for the national average.
Natural gas in Kansas is $12.20 per thousand cubic feet, while the average cost nationally is $12.92. These costs can fluctuate with usage during extreme weather months.
FAQ
Does Kansas have a high cost of living?
No, Kansas does not have a high cost of living compared with the national average. Most families will notice lower prices for housing and utilities, and gasoline is slightly less expensive than in much of the country.
Is Kansas a good place to live?
Yes, Kansas is a good place to live if you value affordability and a slower pace of life. The cost of living is lower than the national average, and many find that housing and everyday goods are more accessible here than in other parts of the country. Kansas offers a welcoming environment for both newcomers and long-term residents.
» RELATED: Best moving companies
Is Kansas good for renters?
Yes, Kansas is good for renters. Renters benefit from affordable average rents and relatively good availability of rental units across the state. While tenant protections are not the strongest in the nation, those focused on finding affordable options will find Kansas a practical choice.
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:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
