Cost of Living in Garden City, KS
Population 27,781 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Garden City can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $186,000 against $72,511 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Geographically, Garden City lies roughly 190 miles west of the nearest major metro, Wichita. Housing prices track closely with Wichita's $180,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Garden City
The median home value in Garden City is $186,200 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $990/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,511/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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, Garden City has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% 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 Garden City, KS?
Garden City has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Garden City, KS?
The median gross rent in Garden City is $990 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $186,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Garden City?
The median household income in Garden City is $72,511 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Garden City, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Garden City is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Garden City, KS affordable?
Yes, Garden City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
Garden City at a Glance
- Population
- 27,781
- Median Income
- $72,511
- Home Value
- $186,200
- Median Rent
- $990/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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