A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Hutchinson Kansas National
Cost of living8690100
Groceries9797100
Health care9696100
Housing6277100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9193100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Hutchinson, KS

Knowing the cost of living in Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson stands at 86, marking it 14% lower than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Hutchinson?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 18 residents in Hutchinson to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 44% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 56% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Hutchinson Affordable?

Is Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson, the median home price is 44.7% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 21.6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Hutchinson come in at $72,429, which is 10.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hutchinson?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

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 Hutchinson, the transportation index is 3.4% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Hutchinson, the housing index is 37.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Hutchinson shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hutchinson is 5% lower than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in Hutchinson is 14% lower than the national average
  • Hutchinson housing is 38% 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 Hutchinson

See all the best places to live around Hutchinson

Compare Hutchinson, KS Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Hutchinson?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Hutchinson?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Hutchinson poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,513$7,793$2,182$2,806
      Renters$47,141$3,928$1,100$1,414
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Hutchinson 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. Hutchinson has a median income of about $93,513 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,182 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $47,141. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,100 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.
      Yoder, KS1697524.6%
      Arlington, KS6038020.3%
      Burrton, KS1,0548218.2%
      Partridge, KS1798218.1%
      Nickerson, KS8828217.8%
      Hutchinson, KS42,0738614.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hickory, NC42,059982.1%
      Shelton, CT42,03312827.7%
      Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC42,121n/a 
      Weslaco, TX42,1368713.1%
      Cedar Falls, IA42,1501000.2%
      Hutchinson, KS42,0738614.1%
      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.