Cost of Living in Kansas — Housing, Taxes & Everyday Expenses
Very affordable, central location, Midwest stability
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFOverview
Kansas offers very low housing costs and a stable economy anchored by agriculture, aviation (Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna), and healthcare.
Housing costs
Median 1BR rent in Wichita is approximately $850 and Kansas City metro approximately $1,100.
Tax reality
5.58% top rate effective 2025 after SB1 reform (Tax Foundation)
Everyday expenses
At a cost of living index of 87, Kansas is about 13% cheaper than the national average of 100. Kansas offers some of the highest purchasing power in the country for middle-income earners due to very low housing costs.
Salary reality in Kansas
$40-60k ~$3,285/mo take-home
$60-80k ~$4,477/mo take-home
$80-100k ~$5,557/mo take-home
FAQ
Cost of Living in Kansas — FAQ
Is Kansas affordable?
Yes. Kansas has a cost of living index of 87, about 13% below the national average.
What is Kansas's income tax rate?
Kansas has a top income tax rate of 5.7%.