A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
54%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Arkansas City Kansas National
Cost of living8190100
Groceries9997100
Health care9496100
Housing4677100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9294100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9493100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Arkansas City, KS

The cost of living in Arkansas City affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Arkansas City is 81, which is 19% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Arkansas City stands out by reporting housing costs that are 54.1% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Arkansas City can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

Is Arkansas City Affordable?

Is Arkansas City affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Arkansas City, the median home price is 63.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 31.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Arkansas City boasting a median household income of $69,601, 14.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Arkansas City?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Arkansas City, healthcare costs are 5.8% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Arkansas City, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 3.1%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Arkansas City are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Arkansas City is 10% lower than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in Arkansas City is 19% lower than the national average
  • Arkansas City housing is 54% lower than the national average
  • Kansas general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Kansas state income tax is 19% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Arkansas City

See all the best places to live around Arkansas City

Compare Arkansas City, KS Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$84,673$7,056$1,976$2,540
      Renters$48,412$4,034$1,130$1,453
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Arkansas City is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Arkansas City has a median income of about $84,673 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,976 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $48,412. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,130 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Kansas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Kansas 6.5% 11.5%

      Kansas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Kansas 3.1% 4.7%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Geuda Springs, KS1367525.4%
      Oxford, KS1,0878218.4%
      Newkirk, OK2,1298118.5%
      Winfield, KS12,3218415.9%
      Parkerfield, KS535936.9%
      Arkansas City, KS12,2288119.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Station, IN12,2278613.6%
      Martinsville, IN12,2308812.3%
      Blackfoot, ID12,225964.4%
      Dranesville, VA12,22317171.0%
      Alum Rock, CA12,23318988.9%
      Arkansas City, KS12,2288119.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.