Cost of Living in Ottawa, KS
Population 12,632 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Ottawa can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $166,000 against $64,655 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Ottawa is about 30 miles southwest of Olathe, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Olathe's $341,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ottawa
The median home value in Ottawa is $165,700 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $949/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,655/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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, Ottawa has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 Ottawa, KS?
Ottawa has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ottawa, KS?
The median gross rent in Ottawa is $949 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa is $165,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ottawa?
The median household income in Ottawa is $64,655 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ottawa, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ottawa is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Ottawa, KS affordable?
Yes, Ottawa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
Ottawa at a Glance
- Population
- 12,632
- Median Income
- $64,655
- Home Value
- $165,700
- Median Rent
- $949/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- 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