Cost of living in Kansas
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Kansas are 9.9% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 90.1 (U.S. = 100), making it the #10 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Kansas with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Kansas prices
- 7.8% pricier
- Take-home in Kansas at $75,000
- $58,207$4,851 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $62,724$5,227 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −1.8%−$1,131 a year in Kansas buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Kansas take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Kansas with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Kansas as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Kansas? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Kansas prices by category
| Category | Kansas | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 90.1 | −9.9% |
| Goods | 94.0 | −6.0% |
| Housing (rent) | 71.2 | −28.8% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | −11.6% |
| Other services | 93.8 | −6.2% |
Low housing costs keep Kansas affordable: rents run 29% below average. The overall price level rose 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (89.9). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Kansas, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,635 | $40,365 | $44,816 | $55,514 |
| $75,000 | $16,793 | $58,207 | $64,626 | $83,270 |
| $100,000 | $25,600 | $74,400 | $82,604 | $111,027 |
At $75,000, Kansas ranks #16 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Kansas paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Kansas equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Kansas. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Kansas once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | +0.0% | $75,029 | $73,739 |
| Missouri | +0.8% | $75,624 | $74,441 |
| Oklahoma | −2.5% | $73,147 | $71,972 |
| Colorado | +14.4% | $85,812 | $87,101 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −3.5% | $72,393 | $70,317 |
| Mississippi | −3.5% | $72,406 | $70,282 |
| Iowa | −2.6% | $73,080 | $70,977 |
| California | +22.9% | $92,197 | $97,872 |
| Hawaii | +22.1% | $91,557 | $96,913 |
| Washington, DC | +22.0% | $91,515 | $95,909 |
| New Jersey | +20.8% | $90,602 | $93,591 |
| Texas | +7.8% | $80,820 | $76,608 |
| Florida | +14.8% | $86,113 | $82,448 |
| New York | +19.8% | $89,866 | $93,576 |
Moving from Kansas to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kansas expensive to live in?
Kansas has a price level of 90.1 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 9.9% below the national average. It ranks #10 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Kansas?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $67,551 in Kansas before taxes. After Kansas taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,207 — worth $64,626 at U.S.-average prices, #16 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Kansas?
Kansas's housing price level is 71.2, meaning rents are 28.8% below the national average. Goods are 94.0 and utilities 88.4.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Oklahoma (price level 87.8, −2.5% vs Kansas). A $75,000 Kansas salary is equivalent to $71,972 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.