A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
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 Dodge City Kansas National
Cost of living8790100
Groceries9797100
Health care9696100
Housing6577100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Dodge City, KS

Knowing the cost of living in Dodge City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Dodge City stands at 87, marking it 13% lower than the national average.

Is Dodge City Affordable?

Is Dodge City an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Dodge City, the median home price is 42.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 19.4% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Dodge City come in at $76,981, which is 5.4% lower than the national average.

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

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Dodge City, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and income tax rates begin at 3.1%.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Dodge City, the utilities index registers 3% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Dodge City, healthcare costs are 4.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Dodge City cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dodge City is 4% lower than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in Dodge City is 13% lower than the national average
  • Dodge City housing is 35% 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 Dodge City

See all the best places to live around Dodge City

Compare Dodge 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$94,356$7,863$2,201$2,831
      Renters$64,954$5,413$1,515$1,949
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Dodge City, KS, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Dodge City have a median income of $94,356. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,201 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $64,954, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,515.

      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.
      Ford, KS2187822.0%
      Ensign, KS1588218.3%
      Fort Dodge, KS1858316.9%
      Wilroads Gardens, KS7308614.0%
      Spearville, KS1,0028713.1%
      Dodge City, KS27,7468713.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ramsey, MN27,74811515.4%
      West Chicago, IL27,7401109.8%
      Bristol, TN27,756918.7%
      Carrollton, GA27,734982.1%
      Twentynine Palms, CA27,7241077.0%
      Dodge City, KS27,7468713.3%
      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.