| Index | Manhattan | Kansas | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 113 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 92 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 94 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 91 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 94 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 91 | 93 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Manhattan 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 Manhattan stands at 100, marking it 0% equal to the national average.
The cost of living in Manhattan closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Manhattan can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is Manhattan an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Manhattan is 20.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 5.5% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Manhattan has a median household income of $77,118, which is 5.2% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Manhattan, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 3.1%.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Manhattan 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.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $130,598 | $10,883 | $3,047 | $3,918 |
| Renters | $49,435 | $4,120 | $1,153 | $1,483 |
| 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. |
| Grandview Plaza, KS | 1,994 | 81 | 19.3% |
| Leonardville, KS | 661 | 85 | 14.7% |
| Westmoreland, KS | 727 | 87 | 13.4% |
| Ogden, KS | 1,516 | 87 | 13.3% |
| Riley, KS | 1,296 | 90 | 10.1% |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 100 | 0.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 95 | 5.0% |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 91 | 8.8% |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 151 | 51.0% |
| Oak Lawn, IL | 57,180 | 106 | 5.8% |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 122 | 22.3% |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 100 | 0.3% |
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