Cost of Living in Colby, KS
Population 5,389 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Colby stay well under national norms: a median home value of $151,000 against median household incomes of $66,731 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Kansas. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 195 miles east of Aurora, Colby is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 66% lower than Aurora's $445,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Colby
The median home value in Colby is $150,700 — 51% 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 $66,731/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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, Colby has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
Colby 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 Colby, KS?
Colby has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Colby, KS?
The median gross rent in Colby is $736 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Colby?
The median home value in Colby is $150,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Colby?
The median household income in Colby is $66,731 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Colby, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Colby is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Colby, KS affordable?
Yes, Colby is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
Colby at a Glance
- Population
- 5,389
- Median Income
- $66,731
- Home Value
- $150,700
- Median Rent
- $736/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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