Living in Kansas: Income, Housing, Taxes & Cost of Living (2026)
By Wealthvieu
·
Updated
Table of Contents
Kansas at a Glance
| Metric |
Value |
National Rank |
| Population (2024) |
2.9 million |
35th |
| Median household income |
$69,747 |
31st |
| Median home price |
$215,000 |
7th lowest |
| Cost of living index |
86 |
3rd lowest |
| State income tax |
3.1-5.7% |
Average |
| Sales tax (state + local avg) |
8.71% |
5th highest |
| Property tax (effective rate) |
1.33% |
Above average |
Income and Housing
| City/Metro Area |
Median Income |
Median Home Price |
Median Rent (2BR) |
| Kansas City (KS side) |
$72,400 |
$290,000 |
$1,200 |
| Overland Park |
$95,200 |
$380,000 |
$1,400 |
| Wichita |
$58,400 |
$195,000 |
$900 |
| Topeka |
$56,200 |
$165,000 |
$850 |
| Lawrence |
$55,800 |
$270,000 |
$1,050 |
| Manhattan |
$52,400 |
$250,000 |
$1,000 |
| Salina |
$54,800 |
$165,000 |
$800 |
Kansas Pros and Cons
| Financial Pros |
Financial Cons |
| 3rd lowest cost of living |
High sales tax (8.71%, groceries taxed) |
| Very affordable housing |
Above-average property taxes (1.33%) |
| KC metro offers strong job market |
Moderate income tax (up to 5.7%) |
| Low unemployment |
Limited metro areas outside KC/Wichita |
| Aerospace/aviation hub (Wichita) |
Severe weather risk (tornadoes) |
Related: Cost of Living by State | State Income Tax Rates | Property Tax by State
