Cost of Living in Emporia, KS
Population 24,098 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Emporia is a smaller Kansas community of around 24000 residents, where median household incomes of $52,787 and housing costs ($128,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 50 miles southwest of Topeka, Emporia is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. 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 Emporia
The median home value in Emporia is $127,500 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $793/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,787/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, Emporia has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Emporia, KS?
Emporia has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Emporia, KS?
The median gross rent in Emporia is $793 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Emporia?
The median home value in Emporia is $127,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Emporia?
The median household income in Emporia is $52,787 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Emporia, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Emporia is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Emporia, KS affordable?
Yes, Emporia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
Emporia at a Glance
- Population
- 24,098
- Median Income
- $52,787
- Home Value
- $127,500
- Median Rent
- $793/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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