Cost of Living in Abilene, KS
Population 6,449 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Abilene is a smaller Kansas community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,592 and housing costs ($136,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Abilene lies roughly 85 miles west of the nearest major metro, Topeka — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Topeka's $131,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Abilene
The median home value in Abilene is $136,000 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $788/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,592/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kansas's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 8.6%. Overall, Abilene has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Abilene has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Abilene, KS?
Abilene has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Abilene, KS?
The median gross rent in Abilene is $788 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Abilene?
The median home value in Abilene is $136,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Abilene?
The median household income in Abilene is $56,592 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Abilene, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Abilene is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Abilene, KS affordable?
Yes, Abilene is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Abilene at a Glance
- Population
- 6,449
- Median Income
- $56,592
- Home Value
- $136,000
- Median Rent
- $788/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs