| Index | Emporia | Kansas | National |
| Cost of living | 85 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 59 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 93 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Emporia is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Emporia is 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Emporia stands out by reporting housing costs that are 41.2% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Emporia. The feedback revealed that 83% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 17% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Emporia affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Emporia, for instance, where the median home price falls 45.6% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 30.7% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Emporia flaunting a median household income of $65,669, 19.3% lower than the national norm.
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 Emporia, healthcare costs are 3.1% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Emporia, the transportation index is 5.7% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Emporia 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.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $96,858 | $8,072 | $2,260 | $2,906 |
| Renters | $41,469 | $3,456 | $968 | $1,244 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Kansas | 6.5% | 11.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Kansas | 3.1% | 4.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Dunlap, KS | 50 | 94 | 5.8% |
| Reading, KS | 171 | 77 | 23.2% |
| Hartford, KS | 347 | 79 | 21.0% |
| Neosho Rapids, KS | 378 | 79 | 20.5% |
| Americus, KS | 953 | 84 | 15.8% |
| Emporia, KS | 25,435 | 85 | 15.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Riverbank, CA | 25,441 | 131 | 31.0% |
| Hazleton, PA | 25,442 | 89 | 10.9% |
| Hastings, NE | 25,424 | 89 | 11.3% |
| Conway, SC | 25,463 | 96 | 4.0% |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 118 | 17.9% |
| Emporia, KS | 25,435 | 85 | 15.0% |
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