| Index | Hays | Kansas | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 92 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 93 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 98 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 93 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hays 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 Hays is 95, which is 5% 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.
The cost of living in Hays is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 7 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Hays. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 71% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 29% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Wondering if Hays is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Hays, for example, the median home price is 1.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Hays boasting a median household income of $76,733, which is 5.7% lower than the national average.
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 Hays, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and income tax rates begin at 3.1%.
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Hays, the groceries index registers 0.5% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Hays, the utilities index is 6.9% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Hays 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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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $116,185 | $9,682 | $2,711 | $3,486 |
| Renters | $46,797 | $3,900 | $1,092 | $1,404 |
| 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. |
| Munjor, KS | 78 | 83 | 16.5% |
| Schoenchen, KS | 202 | 86 | 13.6% |
| Catharine, KS | 126 | 87 | 13.1% |
| Ellis, KS | 2,290 | 88 | 12.2% |
| Victoria, KS | 1,115 | 93 | 6.8% |
| Hays, KS | 21,398 | 95 | 4.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Thorold, ON | 21,396 | n/a | |
| Saint-Lazare, QC | 21,394 | n/a | |
| Cranbrook, BC | 21,392 | n/a | |
| Gardner, MA | 21,410 | 109 | 8.6% |
| Green Valley, AZ | 21,416 | 103 | 2.7% |
| Hays, KS | 21,398 | 95 | 4.9% |
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