Cost of Living in Merriam, KS
Population 11,036 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Merriam a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $242,000.
Geographically, Merriam sits roughly 8 miles southeast of Kansas City. Median home values run roughly 65% higher than Kansas City's $147,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Merriam
The median home value in Merriam is $242,400 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,161/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,665/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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, Merriam has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Merriam, KS?
Merriam has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Merriam, KS?
The median gross rent in Merriam is $1,161 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Merriam?
The median home value in Merriam is $242,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Merriam?
The median household income in Merriam is $71,665 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Merriam, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Merriam is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Merriam, KS affordable?
Yes, Merriam is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
Merriam at a Glance
- Population
- 11,036
- Median Income
- $71,665
- Home Value
- $242,400
- Median Rent
- $1,161/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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