A
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
12%
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 Gardner Kansas National
Cost of living10190100
Groceries9897100
Health care9496100
Housing11277100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9995100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare10093100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gardner, KS

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Gardner 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 Gardner is 101, which is 1% higher 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.

In Gardner, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Gardner will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Gardner Affordable?

Is Gardner 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 Gardner, the median home price is 11.5% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 13.1% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Gardner come in at $115,354, which is 41.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gardner?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Gardner, the transportation index is 5.6% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Gardner, the housing index comes in at 12% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Gardner, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.5%, and income tax rates start at 3.1%.

Where is the Data From?

The Gardner cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gardner is 12% higher than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in Gardner is 1% higher than the national average
  • Gardner housing is 12% higher 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 Gardner

See all the best places to live around Gardner

Compare Gardner, 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$138,088$11,507$3,222$4,143
      Renters$80,258$6,688$1,873$2,408
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Gardner, KS, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Gardner homeowners, is $138,088. This would allow for a maximum of $3,222 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $80,258 which would result in a maximum of $1,873 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Bucyrus, KS2788416.3%
      Linwood, KS4298812.2%
      Wellsville, KS1,998927.9%
      Edgerton, KS1,800936.8%
      Hillsdale, KS291946.1%
      Gardner, KS22,7331011.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Happy Valley, OR22,73615352.8%
      Fort Walton Beach, FL22,7261065.9%
      Prairie Village, KS22,72511717.3%
      Hayesville, OR22,7581088.1%
      Rose Hill, VA22,70714847.5%
      Gardner, KS22,7331011.1%
      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.