Cost of Living in Paola, KS
Population 5,757 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Paola can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $195,000 against $73,281 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Paola sits roughly 20 miles south of Olathe. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Olathe's $341,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Paola
The median home value in Paola is $195,000 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,069/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,281/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 65.6°F and lows of 44.6°F. Overall, Paola has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.
Paola has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 44 | 56 | 66 | 75 | 85 | 89 | 88 | 80 | 68 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F | 20 | 24 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 58 | 46 | 34 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.05 | 1.50 | 2.31 | 3.76 | 5.08 | 5.26 | 4.21 | 3.95 | 3.74 | 3.27 | 1.91 | 1.50 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Paola, KS?
Paola has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.
What is average rent in Paola, KS?
The median gross rent in Paola is $1,069 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Paola?
The median home value in Paola is $195,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Paola?
The median household income in Paola is $73,281 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Paola, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paola is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Paola, KS affordable?
Yes, Paola is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Paola?
Paola has average high temperatures of 65.6°F and average lows of 44.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Paola at a Glance
- Population
- 5,757
- Median Income
- $73,281
- Home Value
- $195,000
- Median Rent
- $1,069/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.6°F
- 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