Kansas, known for its rolling plains and Midwestern charm, offers a unique blend of affordability and challenges. Let’s explore key aspects of life in the Sunflower State.
Cost of Living
Kansas boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, with expenses running 14% below the national average. This affordability extends across various sectors:
- Housing costs are 31% lower than the national average
- Food costs are 3% lower
- Transportation costs are 9% lower
- Goods and services are 9% lower
Utilities are on par with the national average, while healthcare costs are similar to the national average[2].
Housing Market
The Kansas housing market remains relatively affordable:
- Median home value: $266,500 (as of November 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 6.7%
- Average time on market: 30 days
While prices have risen, they remain significantly below the national median of $433,500[3][8].
Education
Kansas faces both challenges and successes in education:
- Ranked 19th overall in the 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book
- Ranked 28th in education specifically
- Declining reading and math proficiency among fourth and eighth graders
- 69% of fourth graders not proficient in reading (28th nationally)
- 77% of eighth graders not proficient in math (34th nationally)
Despite these challenges, Kansas continues to work on improving educational outcomes across all regions[9].
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kansas presents a mixed picture:
- Ranked 21st in overall healthcare quality and access
- Average monthly healthcare premium: $510, slightly above the national average of $470
- Wesley Medical Center named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for 2024
While there’s room for improvement, Kansas boasts some top-tier medical facilities[5].
Transportation and Infrastructure
Kansas’ infrastructure received mixed reviews:
- Ranked 22nd in overall highway performance and cost-effectiveness
- 13th in capital and bridge costs per mile
- 22nd in maintenance spending per mile
- 37th in urbanized area congestion
- Drivers waste 24.7 hours per year in traffic congestion
The state has made efforts to improve its infrastructure, but challenges remain in areas such as congestion and fatality rates[6].
In conclusion, Kansas in 2024 offers a compelling mix of affordability and quality of life. While challenges exist in areas such as education and infrastructure, the state’s low cost of living and ongoing improvements make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and opportunity in the heartland of America.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ksdot.gov
[2] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ks/
[3] https://innago.com/kansas-housing-market-trends-forecast/
[4] https://soehs.ku.edu/news/article/2024/04/10/ku-education-programs-rank-among-nations-best-2024-25-us-news-world-report-rankings
[5] https://www.wesleymc.com/about-us/newsroom/healthgrades-names-wesley-medical-center-among-americas-100-best-hospitals
[6] https://reason.org/policy-study/27th-annual-highway-report/kansas/
[7] https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-kansas
[8] https://www.redfin.com/state/Kansas/housing-market
[9] https://www.kac.org/kansas_ranks_19th_in_nation_according_to_the_new_kids_count_data_book
[10] https://mitchlickey.com/a-detailed-guide-for-the-exact-kansas-cost-of-living-2024/
