Cost of Living in Manhattan, KS
Population 53,951 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Manhattan's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $58,441 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 26% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 50 miles west of Topeka, Manhattan is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 87% higher than Topeka's $131,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Manhattan
The median home value in Manhattan is $243,700 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,019/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,441/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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, Manhattan has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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 Manhattan, KS?
Manhattan has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Manhattan, KS?
The median gross rent in Manhattan is $1,019 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Manhattan?
The median home value in Manhattan is $243,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Manhattan?
The median household income in Manhattan is $58,441 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Manhattan, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Manhattan is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Manhattan, KS affordable?
Yes, Manhattan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
Manhattan at a Glance
- Population
- 53,951
- Median Income
- $58,441
- Home Value
- $243,700
- Median Rent
- $1,019/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- 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