Cost of Living in Fort Riley, KS
Population 8,595 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Riley a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $222,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 18.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Fort Riley is about 60 miles west of Topeka, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 70% higher than Topeka's $131,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Riley
The median home value in Fort Riley is $222,100 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,283/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,823/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.4%, 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 67.2°F and lows of 42.7°F. Overall, Fort Riley has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.
Fort Riley is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 41 | 46 | 58 | 67 | 77 | 87 | 92 | 90 | 82 | 69 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 18 | 22 | 32 | 42 | 53 | 63 | 68 | 65 | 56 | 43 | 30 | 21 |
| Precip" | 0.65 | 0.96 | 1.83 | 3.13 | 4.65 | 4.83 | 4.01 | 4.64 | 2.69 | 2.18 | 1.54 | 1.06 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Riley, KS?
Fort Riley has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Riley, KS?
The median gross rent in Fort Riley is $1,283 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Riley?
The median home value in Fort Riley is $222,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fort Riley?
The median household income in Fort Riley is $52,823 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Riley, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Riley is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Fort Riley, KS affordable?
Yes, Fort Riley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fort Riley?
Fort Riley has average high temperatures of 67.2°F and average lows of 42.7°F. Annual precipitation is 32.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Riley at a Glance
- Population
- 8,595
- Median Income
- $52,823
- Home Value
- $222,100
- Median Rent
- $1,283/mo
- Unemployment
- 18.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
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Kansas Rankings
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