Kansas attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Affordable cost of living, lower state income tax, and top-quality education. You can’t go wrong with the Sunflower State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $200,000. Parsons’s cost of living is 33.6% lower than the national average, and Coffeyville is 32.9% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Arkansas City’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $91K. Meanwhile, Independence offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $102,653.
Cheapest Places to Live in Kansas in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Kansas. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Coffeyville | $56,694 | $775 | 32.9% lower⬇️ | $41,901 | 8,570 |
| 2. Parsons | $72,467 | $800 | 33.6% lower⬇️ | $50,838 | 9,362 |
| 3. Arkansas City | $91,123 | $630 | 29.7% lower⬇️ | $53,475 | 11,765 |
| 4. Chanute | $88,616 | $975 | 31.6% lower⬇️ | $47,885 | 8,468 |
| 5. Independence | $102,653 | $550 | 32.9% lower⬇️ | $49,164 | 8,315 |
| 6. Fort Scott | $119,476 | $500 | 31.5% lower⬇️ | $60,799 | 7,565 |
| 7. Winfield | $124,912 | $848 | 29.7% lower⬇️ | $58,140 | 11,669 |
| 8. Topeka | $184,800 | $950 | 20% lower⬇️ | $55,902 | 125,475 |
| 9. Salina | $165,038 | $940 | 24.2% lower⬇️ | $60,624 | 45,792 |
| 10. Pittsburg | $122,696 | $850 | 30.9% lower⬇️ | $40,220 | 20,504 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Kansas
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Sunflower State:
#1 Coffeyville
- Median house rent is $775 | Rental prices range between $600 and $1,600.
- Median home value of Coffeyville is $56,694.
- Cost of living in Coffeyville is 32.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Coffeyville, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Coffeyville is an affordable place with groceries being 10.7% lower than the national average. The city is also home to Coffeyville Community College, offering various academic programs for students. Dalton Defenders Museum and the Brown Mansion are significant historical attractions here. Manufacturing and energy sectors are major employers in this city.
» Coffeyville Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this city.
#2 Parsons
- Median house rent is $800 | Rental prices range between $610 and $1,500.
- Median home value of Parsons is $72,467.
- Cost of living in Parsons is 33.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Parsons, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Parsons offers affordable health which is 2.7% lower than the US median. The city also offers attractions like the Parsons Arboretum and Marvel Park, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Parsons is home to Labette Community College, offering a range of academic programs to students in the region. It also hosts various events and activities, including the annual Katy Days Festival.
» Parsons Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in Parsons.
#3 Arkansas City
- Median house rent is $630 | Rental prices range between $550 and $825.
- Median home value of Arkansas City is $91,123.
- Cost of living in Arkansas City is 29.7% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Arkansas City, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Arkansas City ranks 71 out of 100 points due to its high livability ratio and advanced educational facilities. The city hosts attractions like the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum and the historic Burford Theatre. In addition, grocery prices here are 10% lower than the US median, making it an affordable place to live for both professionals and families.
» Arkansas City Homes for Sale: Discover cheap houses in Kansas for sale.
#4 Chanute
- Median house rent is $975.
- Median home value of Chanute is $88,616.
- Cost of living in Chanute is 31.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Chanute, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Transportation expenses in Chanute are 33.7% lower than the national average. The city’s proximity to Neosho County Community College attracts young adults for education. the Attractions such as Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum and the Chanute Art Gallery, catering to history and art enthusiasts.
» Chanute Homes for Sale: Search houses in Kansas for sale.
Use a Kansas Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.
#5 Independence
- Median house rent is $550 | Rental prices range between $550 and $820.
- Median home value of Independence is $102,653.
- Cost of living in Independence is 32.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Independence, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Independence is home to several educational institutes like Independence Community College. The city holds the 42nd position among 111 cities with the best public schools in Kansas. Attractions include the Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo, providing family-friendly entertainment. Additionally, Textron Aviation and Standard Motor Products are the top companies here.
» Independence Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
#6 Fort Scott
- Median house rent is $500 | Rental prices range between $500 and $695.
- Median home value of Fort Scott is $119,476.
- Cost of living in Fort Scott is 31.5% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Fort Scott, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Fort Scott, rich in Civil War history, is home to the Fort Scott National Historic Site. The city offers educational facilities through Fort Scott Community College. Attractions include historic downtown and Gunn Park, offering recreational activities hiking, and fishing. Fort Scott’s historical charm and affordable living make it ideal for retirees and history enthusiasts.
» Fort Scott Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for rent in Kansas.
#7 Winfield
- Median house rent is $848 | Rental prices range between $483 and $2,200.
- Median home value of Winfield is $124,912.
- Cost of living in Winfield is 29.7% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Winfield, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Winfield’s housing expenses cost 66.7% lower than the national median. The city is known for the Walnut Valley Festival, attracting music lovers annually. Attractions include Island Park and the Winfield City Lake, offering picnics and camping. Additionally, with an unemployment rate of just 4.1%, the area shows promising signs of job growth, which makes it an appealing place for both residents and newcomers.
» Winfield Homes for Sale: Get houses in Kansas for sale.
#8 Topeka
- Median house rent is $950 | Rental prices range between $190 and $3,500.
- Median home value of Topeka is $184,800.
- Cost of living in Topeka is 20% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Topeka, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
As the capital city of Kansas, Topeka offers a blend of urban and suburban living. The city is home to Washburn University, providing diverse educational opportunities. Attractions include the Kansas State Capitol and Lake Shawnee, offering cultural and recreational activities. Topeka’s affordable housing and amenities make it suitable for professionals and families.
» Topeka Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the cheapest city to live in Kansas.
#9 Salina
- Median house rent is $940 | Rental prices range between $500 and $2,000.
- Median home value of Salina is $165,038.
- Cost of living in Salina is 24.2% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Salina, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Salina is known for its manufacturing jobs and is home to Kansas Wesleyan University. In addition to the Smoky Hill Museum and Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park, which offers cultural and family-friendly activities. Moreover, Salina Regional Health Center and Schwan’s Company are among the top companies for job seekers.
» Salina Homes for Sale: Get houses in KS for sale.
#10 Pittsburg
- Median house rent is $850 | Rental prices range between $500 and $1,800.
- Median home value of Pittsburg is $122,696.
- Cost of living in Pittsburg is 30.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Pittsburg, KS: 66061 | 66062 | 66083
Home to Pittsburg State University, is an outstanding city for growth and opportunity. The area boasts attractions such as the Crawford County Historical Museum and a lively downtown filled with unique shops and eateries. Employers like Pittsburg State University and important manufacturing companies like Watco Companies, LLC and Cessna Aircraft Company are economic aspects of the city.
» Pittsburg Homes for Sale: Find affordable homes in cities in Kansas state.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Kansas?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Kansas under 150K in cities like Parsons, Coffeyville, and Independence. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Kansas cities.
Cities like Topeka and Sakina are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Kansas.
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» 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
To rank the top cities in Kansas, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive 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.
Is Kansas a cheap place to live?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $226,720 and the cost of living in Kansas is 16.9% lower than the national average. 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.
Where is the best place to live in Kansas?
The best place to live in Kansas is Wichita, followed by Topeka, Manhattan, Overland Park, Lawrence, Olathe, and Kansas City.
Which Kansas city has the lowest cost of living?
Parsons is one of the cities with the lowest cost of living in KS, which is 33.6% and 20.1% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
