Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Kansas has a cost of living index of about 89.9, roughly 10% below the U.S. average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 90.1 | 100 |
- •Kansas is consistently ranked among the 15 most affordable states, driven by low housing costs.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Kansas are among the lowest in the country, with a housing cost index near 78.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 71.2 | 100 |
- •Kansas housing costs are roughly 22% below the U.S. average, among the most affordable in the Midwest.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Kansas are close to the national average, at roughly $420 per month for a typical household.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Midwest region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU020072610).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 88.4 | 100 |
- •Kansas' abundant wind power helps keep electricity generation costs relatively stable.
Food Costs
Grocery costs in Kansas run about 7% below the national average, at a grocery index of roughly 93.
Food price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAF1).
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 94 | 100 |
- •Kansas is one of the nation's top wheat producers, which helps keep local food prices comparatively low.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Kansas sit close to the national average, with a healthcare cost index of about 92.
Medical care price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAM).
- •Wichita and Kansas City-area hospital systems anchor most specialty care access in the state.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Kansas are slightly below average, helped by gas prices near $2.95 per gallon.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Midwest region (PADD 2), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R20_DPG).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.11 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Short commute times in Kansas help offset the state's reliance on personal vehicles for travel.