Cost of Living in Hays, KS
Population 21,078 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Hays a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $220,000.
Hays lies roughly 135 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Wichita — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Wichita's $180,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hays
The median home value in Hays is $220,100 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $890/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,861/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Hays has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% 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 Hays, KS?
Hays has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hays, KS?
The median gross rent in Hays is $890 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hays?
The median home value in Hays is $220,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays is $56,861 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hays, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hays is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Hays, KS affordable?
Yes, Hays is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Hays at a Glance
- Population
- 21,078
- Median Income
- $56,861
- Home Value
- $220,100
- Median Rent
- $890/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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