Affordable cost of living, lower state income tax, and quality education have motivated more than 94,000 people to move to Kansas. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of $229,970, Kansas can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Sunflower State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Fort Scott and Coffeyville offer several budget-friendly options. While Fort Scott offers a cost of living 19% lower than the national average, the median home price in Coffeyville is $52,283.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Kansas has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Kansas!
4 Reasons to live in Kansas 🦋
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Kansas is ~243K. But you can get houses between $47K and $116K in cities like Coffeyville, Chanute, and Fort Scott.
- Tax Benefits: The Kansas GOP has proposed a flat tax plan, aiming for historic tax relief with a 5.25% state income tax rate.
- Affordable Grocery: Grocery in cities mentioned in this blog is up to 10.7% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $1,255 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Kansas in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffeyville | $41,220 | $47,927 | 8,690 | 3.3% | 22.6% |
| Parsons | $48,990 | $64,040 | 9,382 | 2.3% | 18.7% |
| Arkansas City | $49,177 | $80,762 | 11,923 | 4.1% | 15.7% |
| Chanute | $52,608 | $83,776 | 8,568 | 4.9% | 18.8% |
| Independence | $48,514 | $94,529 | 8,436 | 2.1% | 17.6% |
| Fort Scott | $45,206 | $104,912 | 7,615 | 4.5% | 15.5% |
| Winfield | $55,850 | $116,747 | 11,701 | 2.8% | 14.7% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in KS
The annual population growth of 2.8% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Kansas. If you’re considering shifting to Kansas, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Coffeyville
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 32.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $47,927 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $700 |
| 🌅 Known For | Brown Mansion |
Coffeyville is an affordable place to live in Kansas. Its median house rent ranges from $550 – $1,200. It also offers affordable grocery which is 10.7% lower than the national average.
Coffeyville has historical significance in the oil industry. However, recently the median household income saw a 11.1% growth. This indicates an increase in job opportunities and financial stability for the city’s residents.
» Homes for Sale in Coffeyville, KS: Find your dream home in this city.
2. Parsons
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 33.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $64,040 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $555 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Parsons School of Design |
Parsons is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Kansas with an average home rent ranging from $525 – $965. It also offers affordable health which is 2.7% lower than the national average.
Parsons is known for providing excellent quality of life and educational opportunity. The city is home to universities like Labette Community College and Parsons School of Design, which offer educational and cultural opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Parsons, KS: Browse thousands of property listings in Parsons.
3. Arkansas City
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 29.7%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $80,762 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $625 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Strataca |
With rental costs below the national average, Arkansas City stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Kansas. The house rent price is between $500 – $850.
Arkansas City boasts of excellent livability, with residents enjoying a high quality of life. The city ranks 71 out of 100 points due to its high livability ratio and advanced educational facilities. This makes it an appealing location for people looking to move in Kansas.
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4. Chanute
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 31.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $83,776 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $725 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Octave Chanute |
Chanute offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $1,275 lower than the national median. With transportation costs being 33.7% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in Kansas.
Chanute’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in America. Moreover, residents enjoy some of Kansas’s famous tourist attractions like the Safari Museum and Chanute-Wright Brothers Memorial.
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5. Independence
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 32.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $94,529 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $745 |
| 🎨 Known For | Independence Community College |
Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Ozarks,’ Independence’s cost of living is 32.9% lower than the state average. The housing expenses are 78.3% lower than the national average.
Independence is home to several educational institutes. The city holds the 42nd position among 111 cities with the best public schools in Kansas.
» Homes for Sale in Independence, KS: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
6. Fort Scott
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 31.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $104,912 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $725 |
| 🏫 Known For | Fort Scott National Historic Site |
The house rent in Fort Scott is between $475 – $1,300. With an average household income of $45,206, you can comfortably live in this city.
Fort Scott is a compelling real estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable living in Kansas. The annual cost for housing, food, health care, and other essentials for a single adult in Fort Scott is $32,043.
» Homes for Sale in Fort Scott, KS: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Kansas.
7. Winfield
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 29.7%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $116,747 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $700 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Gordon Parks Museum |
Winfield is indeed one of the best places to live in Kansas, with a slight year-over-year median home price growth of 1.8% in December 2023. The annual expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $3,006. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Winfield is one of the most distinct city in the Cowley County. The city also places emphasis on public safety, with a dedicated police department working to maintain the city’s reputation.
» Homes for Sale in Winfield, KS: Get yourself a home in this city.
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Bottom Line
The cost of living in Kansas is 12% lower than the national average. Nevertheless, it is still home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Kansas, you can find affordable housing in cities like Parsons, Arkansas City, and Chanute.
Cities like Independence and Winfield have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Kansas’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in KS Under Your Specific Budget
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Kansas, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow, Best Places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to live in Kansas?
The cheapest place to live in Kansas is Coffeyville. It offers one of the most affordable grocery in the state, which is 10.3% lower than the national average.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Kansas: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Kansas!
What makes Kansas the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $212,995. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
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