| Index | Merriam | Kansas | National |
| Cost of living | 98 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 104 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 91 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 93 | 93 | 100 |
The cost of living in Merriam affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Merriam is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Merriam 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.
Is Merriam affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Merriam, the median home price is 5.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 0.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Merriam boasting a median household income of $95,064, 16.9% higher 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 Merriam, the transportation index is 2.9% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Merriam, the utilities index stands at 4.9% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Merriam 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 | $117,616 | $9,801 | $2,744 | $3,529 |
| Renters | $68,646 | $5,721 | $1,602 | $2,060 |
| 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. |
| Randolph, MO | 29 | 84 | 15.8% |
| Sugar Creek, MO | 3,384 | 85 | 14.7% |
| Kansas City, KS | 156,337 | 86 | 13.7% |
| Claycomo, MO | 1,827 | 88 | 12.2% |
| Avondale, MO | 512 | 89 | 10.6% |
| Merriam, KS | 11,587 | 98 | 2.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| North Saanich, BC | 11,587 | n/a | |
| Haddonfield, NJ | 11,585 | 151 | 51.0% |
| Berkley, CO | 11,591 | 124 | 24.3% |
| L'Île-Perrot, QC | 11,591 | n/a | |
| Nelson, BC | 11,592 | n/a | |
| Merriam, KS | 11,587 | 98 | 2.1% |
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