F
36%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
131%
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 Leawood Kansas National
Cost of living13690100
Groceries9597100
Health care9696100
Housing23177100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9394100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9593100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Leawood, KS

Understanding the cost of living in Leawood can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Leawood cost of living index is 136, which is 36% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Leawood may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Leawood falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Leawood cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 131.1%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 9 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Leawood. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 44% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 56% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Leawood Affordable?

Wondering if Leawood 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 Leawood, for example, the median home price is 157.2% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 70.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Leawood boasting a median household income of $233,909, which is 187.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Leawood?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Leawood, the groceries index is 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 Leawood, the utilities index is 5.8% lower than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Leawood, the transportation index is 2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Leawood 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 Leawood is 51% higher than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in Leawood is 36% higher than the national average
  • Leawood housing is 131% 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 Leawood

See all the best places to live around Leawood

Compare Leawood, 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$254,915$21,243$5,948$7,648
      Renters$125,053$10,421$2,918$3,752
      The affordability of the housing market in Leawood, KS as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Leawood homeowners, the median income is $254,915. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $5,948 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $125,053. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,918 for their rent related monthly 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.
      River Bend, MO9963.7%
      Randolph, MO298415.8%
      Sugar Creek, MO3,3848514.7%
      Kansas City, KS156,3378613.7%
      Avondale, MO5128910.6%
      Leawood, KS35,49513636.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Butte-Silver Bow, MT35,459963.6%
      Plainfield, IN35,538991.3%
      Torrington, CT35,5431022.3%
      Norristown, PA35,552991.2%
      Georgetown, KY35,429963.6%
      Leawood, KS35,49513636.2%
      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.