Americans love Kansas! And why wouldn’t you? From a top-rated college town to a thriving art culture, the Sunflower State has got it all.
The median home value for Kansas is $243,600. The State scores 70/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Lawrence, and Kansas City are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Also, the state’s cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Kansas.
3 Reasons to Live in Kansas 🌻
- GDP: In Q3 2023, Kansas towns real GDP growth rate increased to 9.7% YoY from 7.4% in the previous quarter.
- Quality Education: The University of Kansas and Kansas State University are both ranked among the top 300 national universities in the United States.
- Housing Market: The typical homeowner in Kansas cities pays property taxes at an average effective rate of 1.33%.
Best Places to Live in Kansas in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wichita | 395,951 | $195,000 | $6,865 | 2.5% | 57/100 |
| 2. | Topeka | 126,431 | $165,000 | $7,470 | 2.2% | 56/100 |
| 3. | Manhattan | 54,287 | $252,200 | $7,551 | 1.7% | 46/100 |
| 4. | Overland Park | 196,676 | $455,000 | $4527 | 2.10% | 67/100 |
| 5. | Lawrence | 95,103 | $260,000 | $7,373 | 1.8% | 58/100 |
| 6. | Olathe | 142,114 | $402,500 | $4585 | 1.90% | 72/100 |
| 7. | Kansas-City | 155,438 | $221,250 | $8,313 | 2.6% | 62/100 |
1. Wichita
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.2% |
| Median Income | $60,712 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,865 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.5% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 57/100 |
Wichita is one of the cheapest cities in Kansas and is also known as the “Air Capital of the World”. The median home price in Wichita is $195,000. However, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average.
The city boasts numerous art venues and theaters like the Wichita Riverfest and Tallgrass Film Festival. Old Town is a sought-after spot for locals and tourists, renowned for its rich history, stylish bars, and lively nightlife. It provides a distinctive mix of cultural heritage and entertainment.
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2. Topeka
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.5% |
| Median Income | $54,052 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,470 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.2% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 56/100 |
Topeka is the Capital city of the Sunflower State. The city offers decent housing prices, with a median home price of around $165K. Topeka’s housing market has experienced a trend of rising sale prices, even amid a slowdown in sales activity.
The cost of living in Topeka is 18% lower than the national average. The crime rate in Topeka is lower making it a safe city to live in. Topeka is home to several historic sites, including the Kansas State Capitol Building, which was completed in 1903.
» Homes for Sale in Topeka, KS: View thousands of property listings in the Top City.
3. Manhattan
| Home Value | ⬆️ 2.3% |
| Median Income | $55,316 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,551 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 46/100 |
Manhattan, KS is located in the northeastern part of Kansas, also known as the Flint Hills region. The median home price in Manhattan is $252,200. The average cost of living is 8.9% lower than the national average.
Manhattan is also known for a variety of cultural and recreational attractions. These include the Country Stampede Music Festival, Riley County Fair, Milford Lake, and more. The Little Apple is home to Kansas State University and Fort Riley Army Base.
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4. Overland Park
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.6% |
| Median Income | $100,876 |
| Monthly Expenses | $4527 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.10% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 67/100 |
Overland Park is a city with a growing population rate of 0.07% and an average household income of $134,857. The cost of living in this city is 12% less than the national average.
Almost one-third of the Kansas population resides in Johnson County which includes Overland Park. The city has a rich history, diverse culture, strong economy, and unique attractions considered to be one of the best cities to live in Kansas.
» Homes for Sale in Overland Park, KS: Find a home in one of the best cities in Kansas.
5. Lawrence
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.8% |
| Median Income | $59,834 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,373 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 58/100 |
Lawrence a city in Douglas County with the median home price at $260,000, and the cost of living being 12% less than the national average. The city has a diverse and growing economy. Some major employers include the University of Kansas and Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
With a rich history, cultural diversity, a thriving downtown, top-rated schools, and a growing economy. Lawrence has everything you need to live your best life.
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6. Olathe
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.4% |
| Median Income | $108,077 |
| Monthly Expenses | $4585 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.90% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 72/100 |
Olathe is located in the northeastern part of the state of Kansas. In 2023 December, the median home price for Olathe, KS was $402,500. However, the cost of living is 2.6% lower than the national average. Olathe, Kansas is a lively city with a focus on sports and recreation.
Olathe offers plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and enjoy various outdoor activities. In fact, the city has over 50 parks in total, ranging in size from small neighborhood green spaces to large regional parks which is beneficial for families.
» Homes for Sale in Olathe, KS: Make yourself a part of this Cowboy Boot Capital.
7. Kansas City
| Home Value | $221,250 |
| Median Income | $56,120 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,313 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 62/100 |
Kansas City is a densely populated area known for its art, history, and barbeque restaurants, and it is one of the best towns to live in Kansas. It is the 29th most populated metropolitan area in the US. The cost of living in Kansas City is 16% lower than the national average.
Kansas City is home to several highly regarded healthcare systems, including the University of Kansas Health System and Saint Luke’s Health System. This can be an important factor for retirees with more healthcare needs than younger adults.
» Homes for Sale in Kansas City, KS: View thousands of listings in the Heart of America.
Bottom Line
Kansas is one of the best places to live in the US due to its varied economy and excellent standard of living. Compared to the national average, the cost of living in the state is 12% lower, and housing prices are 30% less.
Kansas has experienced steady growth in recent years in various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Additionally, Kansas University’s rich history and diverse culture make it an appealing place to live and work.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Kansas’ most accurate home value estimator.
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Research Methodology
We considered North, Central, and South regions to rank the best places in Kansas. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Kansas and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Kansas Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Kansas for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wichita Kansas a good place to live?
Yes, Wichita is among the top places to live in Kansas. The cost of living in Wichita is generally lower than the national average, which may be a factor to consider when deciding on a place to live.
What is the richest part of Kansas?
Douglas County is the richest part of Kansas. This county includes Overland Park which is the best place to live in Kansas.
What city in Kansas has the highest cost of living?
Topeka has the highest cost of living across all cities in Kansas, 18% above the national average.
What is the cheapest place to live in Kansas?
With a cost of living 10.7% below the national average, Coffeyville is the cheapest place to live in Kansas.
Is Kansas City a good place to live?
Kansas City can be a great place to live for those who are looking for a mid-size city with a low cost of living, friendly people, and a lively arts and culture scene. It has plenty of parks, museums, sports teams, and entertainment options.
