A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
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 Ottawa Kansas National
Cost of living8790100
Groceries9597100
Health care9896100
Housing6877100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9094100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare8793100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ottawa, KS

The cost of living in Ottawa 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 Ottawa is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Ottawa Affordable?

Is Ottawa 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 Ottawa is 36.4% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 20.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Ottawa has a median household income of $71,334, which is 12.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ottawa?

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 Ottawa, healthcare costs are 1.8% 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 Ottawa, the housing index is 31.6% 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 Ottawa, the utilities index stands at 6.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Ottawa cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ottawa is 4% lower than the Kansas average
  • The cost of living in Ottawa is 13% lower than the national average
  • Ottawa housing is 32% 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 Ottawa

See all the best places to live around Ottawa

Compare Ottawa, KS Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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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$92,288$7,691$2,153$2,769
      Renters$45,770$3,814$1,068$1,373
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Ottawa, KS, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Ottawa homeowners, is $92,288. This would allow for a maximum of $2,153 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $45,770 which would result in a maximum of $1,068 to be spent on rental 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.
      Quenemo, KS4217822.5%
      Rantoul, KS2228217.6%
      Richmond, KS5448118.8%
      Lane, KS2248317.2%
      Princeton, KS2148317.5%
      Ottawa, KS12,5728713.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mays Chapel, MD12,57313737.2%
      Eatontown, NJ12,56812929.3%
      Princeton, TX12,5781076.6%
      Holly Hill, FL12,579973.2%
      Harrison, WI12,5791077.1%
      Ottawa, KS12,5728713.3%
      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.