Cost of Living in Atchison, KS
Population 10,795 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Atchison a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $130,000.
Located 35 miles northwest of Kansas City, Atchison falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Kansas City's $147,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Atchison
The median home value in Atchison is $130,200 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $736/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,695/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Kansas's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 8.6%. The climate averages highs of 64.8°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, Atchison has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 43 | 55 | 66 | 76 | 85 | 88 | 86 | 80 | 68 | 53 | 41 |
| Low °F | 17 | 21 | 32 | 42 | 54 | 64 | 67 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 31 | 21 |
| Precip" | 0.71 | 0.95 | 2.06 | 3.71 | 4.87 | 4.75 | 4.73 | 3.84 | 3.18 | 2.84 | 1.87 | 1.25 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Atchison, KS?
Atchison has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Atchison, KS?
The median gross rent in Atchison is $736 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Atchison?
The median home value in Atchison is $130,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Atchison?
The median household income in Atchison is $54,695 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Atchison, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Atchison is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Atchison, KS affordable?
Yes, Atchison is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Atchison?
Atchison has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 34.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Atchison at a Glance
- Population
- 10,795
- Median Income
- $54,695
- Home Value
- $130,200
- Median Rent
- $736/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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