Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS
Population 95,459 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Lawrence cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $270,000, rents near $1,054 a month.
Located 25 miles east of Topeka, Lawrence falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 106% higher than Topeka's $131,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lawrence
The median home value in Lawrence is $269,500 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,054/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,838/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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%. Overall, Lawrence has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% 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 Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lawrence, KS?
The median gross rent in Lawrence is $1,054 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lawrence?
The median home value in Lawrence is $269,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lawrence?
The median household income in Lawrence is $62,838 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lawrence, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lawrence is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Lawrence, KS affordable?
Yes, Lawrence is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
Lawrence at a Glance
- Population
- 95,459
- Median Income
- $62,838
- Home Value
- $269,500
- Median Rent
- $1,054/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs