A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
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 McPherson Kansas National
Cost of living9190100
Groceries9797100
Health care9696100
Housing7977100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in McPherson, KS

Getting a feel for the cost of living in McPherson 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 McPherson is 91, which is 9% 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 McPherson 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 McPherson can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 8 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in McPherson. The results indicated that 38% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 63% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is McPherson Affordable?

Is McPherson affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take McPherson, for instance, where the median home price falls 21.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 19.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with McPherson flaunting a median household income of $86,632, 6.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in McPherson?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In McPherson, healthcare costs are 4.3% lower than the national average.

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

Where is the Data From?

The McPherson 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 McPherson is 1% higher than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in McPherson is 9% lower than the national average
  • McPherson housing is 21% 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 McPherson

See all the best places to live around McPherson

Compare McPherson, 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$112,140$9,345$2,616$3,365
      Renters$55,863$4,655$1,303$1,676
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in McPherson, KS, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In McPherson, the median monthly income is $112,140 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,616 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $55,863, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,303 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Roxbury, KS17963.5%
      Windom, KS1097228.4%
      Marquette, KS6898316.8%
      Canton, KS6758713.1%
      Inman, KS1,3119010.5%
      McPherson, KS13,501919.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      La Grange Park, IL13,50112525.0%
      South Daytona, FL13,503990.8%
      Rochester, MI13,50312322.8%
      Irondale, AL13,506964.0%
      Warrenville, IL13,49211111.5%
      McPherson, KS13,501919.0%
      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.