Most affordable places to live in Kansas have housing run 29-34% below national rates. For example, a $75,000 saves $3000-$4,500 yearly. Consequently, Kansas beats California costs.
Whether you are dreaming of exploring historic sites or experiencing cultural attractions, Kansas’s affordable cities make that possible. Overall, this guide shows where dollars stretch furthest.
Key Takeaways
- Parsons is Kansas’s most affordable city with costs 33.6% below the national average and median homes priced at just $72,467.
- Arkansas City offers the state’s lowest median rent at $630 monthly, saving renters approximately $7,560 annually.
- Transportation expenses in cities like Chanute run 33.7% below national averages.
- Kansas communities combine frontier heritage, natural recreation areas, and modern amenities with healthcare costs averaging 2-3% below national medians.
Comparing Most Affordable Places to Live in Kansas
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Coffeyville | $56,694 | $775 | 32.9% lower | Budget-conscious retirees, investors |
| Parsons | $72,467 | $800 | 33.6% lower | Remote workers, families |
| Arkansas City | $91,123 | $630 | 29.7% lower | Retirees, first-time buyers |
| Chanute | $88,616 | $975 | 31.6% lower | College students, young families |
| Independence | $102,653 | $550 | 32.9% lower | Young professionals |
| Fort Scott | $119,476 | $500 | 31.5% lower | History enthusiasts, retirees |
| Winfield | $124,912 | $848 | 29.7% lower | Musicians, artists |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Kansas
1. Coffeyville
Median Home Price: $56,694
Median Rent: $775
Cost of Living: 32.9% below US average
Best For: Budget-conscious retirees, history enthusiasts, manufacturing workers, investors seeking ultra-low entry prices
This southeastern Kansas city has 8,570 residents. Moreover, it serves as a manufacturing hub today. However, its Wild West legacy remains alive through frontier museums celebrating the 1892 Dalton Gang shootout.
Furthermore, Coffeyville Community College serves 1,764 students with workforce development programs. In addition, energy sector employers provide economic stability for working families.
Grocery costs run 10.7% below national averages here. Consequently, the median household income of $41,901 supports comfortable living. Nevertheless, crime rates measure 74.8% above national averages. Therefore, prospective residents need careful neighborhood research.
👉Find small-town charm and affordable homes in Coffeyville. So start your Coffeyville homes for sale search today!
2. Parsons
Median Home Price: $72,467
Median Rent: $800
Cost of Living: 33.6% below US average
Best For: Remote workers maximizing purchasing power, railroad history buffs, families seeking small-town values, community college students
Parsons, founded in 1871 and is named for railroad pioneer Levi Parsons. Today, community maintains Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad heritage. Moreover, festivals and celebrations honor this history year-round.
Meanwhile, Parsons Arboretum showcases native plantings throughout the city. Similarly, Marvel Park provides recreation facilities. In addition, Labette Community College serves students with career-focused programs supporting regional needs.
Healthcare affordability leads southeast Kansas with costs 2.7% below U.S. medians. Furthermore, the median household income reaches $50,838 annually.
However, limited job market diversity exists outside healthcare and education sectors. Therefore, specialized career paths may require commuting or remote work.
👉Parsons offers peaceful living and excellent value. Then begin exploring affordable Parsons homes for sale now!
3. Arkansas City
Median Home Price: $91,123
Median Rent: $630
Cost of Living: 29.7% below US average
Best For: Retirees on fixed incomes, first-time homebuyers, families prioritizing safety and affordability, history lovers
Locals call this peaceful river town “Ark City” along the Arkansas River’s scenic banks. Meanwhile, the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum chronicles the chaotic 1893 land rush.
Arkansas City schools rank 71 out of 100 livability points. Additionally, they serve 2,917 students across eight facilities. Furthermore, the restored Burford Theatre hosts theatrical productions celebrating frontier heritage.
Grocery prices remain 10% below U.S. medians here. In addition, the median household income reaches $53,475 annually. However, career advancement opportunities in specialized fields prove limited. Therefore, this location suits retirees and remote workers better.
👉Looking for affordability with outdoor recreation nearby? Then explore homes for sale in Arkansas City today!
4. Chanute
Median Home Price: $88,616
Median Rent: $975
Cost of Living: 31.6% below US average
Best For: Community college students minimizing debt, young families starting out, transportation workers, art enthusiasts
Chanute was named for aviation pioneer Octave Chanute who influenced the Wright Brothers. Today, city blends educational access with family-friendly neighborhoods. Additionally, the Safari Museum honors explorers Martin and Osa Johnson with African wildlife exhibits.
Neosho County Community College draws 1,783 students seeking affordable higher education. Moreover, transportation costs run 33.7% below national averages here. Furthermore, the median household income reaches $47,885.
Meanwhile, the Chanute Art Gallery showcases regional artists. Similarly, well-maintained park systems provide recreation for families. However, nightlife and entertainment options remain limited for singles. As well as, specialized medical care requires commuting to larger metro areas.
👉Experience quiet living and great prices in Chanute. So start browsing available Chanute homes for sale now!
5. Independence
Median Home Price: $102,653
Median Rent: $550
Cost of Living: 32.9% below US average
Best For: Young professionals in healthcare/education/tech, families seeking excellent schools on a budget, college students
Textron Aviation and Standard Motor Products anchor this city’s booming sectors. Moreover, education, healthcare, and technology jobs are growing rapidly. In fact, the median household income reaches $49,164 annually.
Meanwhile, public schools rank 42nd among 111 Kansas cities. Independence Community College serves 821 students with accessible higher education.
Additionally, Ralph Mitchell Zoo features exotic animals and conservation programs. Riverside Park also provides year-round activities for families. But, the job market is smaller compared to metro areas. Therefore, finance and technology opportunities remain limited here.
👉Enjoy small-city convenience and affordable homes in Independence. Therefore, start your Independence homes for sale search!
6. Fort Scott
Median Home Price: $119,476
Median Rent: $500
Cost of Living: 31.5% below US average
Best For: History buffs and Civil War enthusiasts, retirees seeking culture and affordability, photographers, heritage tourism workers
This Civil War history gem has 7,565 residents today. Moreover, it preserves frontier heritage through restored sites. In fact, Fort Scott National Historic Site brings history alive through Civil War encampments.
Meanwhile, Liberty Theatre has hosted performances since 1919. In addition, the annual Gordon Parks Celebration honors the legendary photographer. Similarly Good Ol’ Days Celebration occurs in June while Pioneer Harvest Fiesta happens in October.
Furthermore, the median household income reaches $60,799 yearly. However, the tourism dependent economy fluctuates. Also, corporate job opportunities remain limited for professionals.
👉Fort Scott blends history and affordability for homebuyers. So begin your Fort Scott homes for sale search now!
7. Winfield
Median Home Price: $124,912
Median Rent: $848
Cost of Living: 29.7% below US average
Best For: Musicians and music lovers, bluegrass enthusiasts, outdoor recreation families, artists seeking inspiration
The Walnut Valley Festival draws 11,000-15,000 acoustic music lovers worldwide. Moreover, this artistic community embraces musical traditions. In fact, Island Park’s scenic riverfront and Winfield City Lake provide outdoor recreation.
Housing expenses cost 66.7% below national medians here. Furthermore, unemployment measures 4.1%, showing strong job growth. Additionally, the median household income reaches $58,140 annually.
However, September’s festival brings massive crowds and traffic. Therefore, patience is required during peak times. Nevertheless, limited dining options and small service-sector job markets may not suit everyone’s preferences.
👉Looking for a friendly, affordable community? Then explore Winfield homes for sale now!
How We Ranked Kansas’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025
Our comprehensive analysis uses weighted criteria such as,
- Housing Costs (40%)
- Overall Cost of Living (20%)
- Economic Opportunity (15%)
- Community Infrastructure (10%)
- Quality of Life Indicators (10%)
- Population and Demographics (5%)
Data sources include RentCafe Cost of Living Index, Zillow Home Value Index 2024-2025, U.S. Census Bureau 2024 Population Estimates, Kansas Bureau of Investigation 2024 Crime Index Report, World Population Review 2025, Redfin Data Center April 2025, U.S. Department of Education NCES 2023-2024, Kansas Department of Labor Employment Statistics, local city government data, and chamber of commerce reports providing comprehensive market analysis.
What Drives Affordability in Kansas?
Kansas housing markets deliver exceptional value through reasonable costs. Property taxes average 1.34% of home value, slightly above the national 0.90% rate. However, lower home values keep actual bills below national medians.
Groceries cost 10-11% below national prices in Coffeyville and Arkansas City. Similarly, transportation expenses in Chanute run 33.7% below U.S. averages. Additionally, healthcare costs remain 2-3% more affordable than national benchmarks.
Median home values range from $56,694 to $124,912 in seven cities. Consequently, families save $200,000-$300,000 compared to coastal markets. Furthermore, rental costs average $500-$975 monthly versus national medians exceeding $1,500.
Therefore, these economic advantages free up income for savings and education. Meanwhile, Kansas’s agricultural economy and balanced regulations contribute to stable pricing. Ultimately, families allocate more toward quality of life rather than housing costs.
Smart Tips for Kansas Living
- Research neighborhood crime statistics carefully.
- Time home searches around major festivals, when rental markets are more active.
- Explore remote work opportunities.
- Tour historic sites to understand community heritage.
- Consider proximity to larger metros.
- Budget for transportation.
Should You Move to Kansas?
Most affordable places to live in Kansas offer housing costs 29-34% below national averages. Moreover, they maintain quality schools and growing job markets. In fact, communities from Parsons to Winfield provide distinct advantages.
Furthermore, priorities vary from ultra-low home prices to artistic culture. Similarly, historical significance and educational opportunities attract different residents. Consequently, these 7 cities prove Midwest living remains accessible for families, retirees, and young professionals.
Meanwhile, residents gain substantial savings across housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Therefore, costs stay lower compared to expensive coastal markets. Additionally, comprehensive property searches help match specific budget requirements and lifestyle preferences.
Ultimately, the Sunflower State welcomes newcomers today. In addition, friendly communities and prairie landscapes await. Nevertheless, genuine affordability makes Kansas an ideal choice for those seeking financial stability.
👉Planning a move to Kansas in 2025? Then discover Kansas homes for sale and start your journey with Houzeo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable place to live in Kansas?
Kansas's most affordable city is Parsons with costs 33.6% below the national average, median homes priced at $72,467, and healthcare expenses 2.7% lower than U.S. medians.
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in Kansas?
The 7 most affordable cities in Kansas include Coffeyville ($56,694 median home price), Parsons ($72,467), Arkansas City ($91,123), Chanute ($88,616), Independence ($102,653), Fort Scott ($119,476), and Winfield ($124,912), all offering costs 29-34% below national averages.
Which Kansas cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, Arkansas City and Independence stand out as top budget-friendly Kansas cities. Arkansas City offering $630 median rent and excellent schools ranking 71/100 livability points, while Independence provides booming education and healthcare jobs.
Are there affordable beach towns in Kansas?
Kansas lacks ocean beaches but offers affordable riverside communities like Arkansas City along the Arkansas River and Winfield near Island Park and Winfield City Lake.
What makes Kansas one of the most affordable states?
Kansas achieves exceptional affordability through median housing costs 29-34% below national averages, property taxes lower than coastal states, grocery prices 10-11% under U.S. medians, and transportation expenses running 33% below national benchmarks in cities like Chanute.
