Cities › Kansas

Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS

Population 96,051 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,091
Median home value$292,700
Median household income$65,009

The median rent in Lawrence, KS is $1,091/month, 3% higher than the Kansas median and 23% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $292,700, 12% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $65,009 a year, 12% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 20.1%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $43,640/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 4.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,480/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Lawrence vs. Kansas vs. U.S.

LawrenceKansasU.S.
Median rent$1,091$1,060$1,413
Median home value$292,700$217,200$332,700
Median household income$65,009$74,275$80,734
Homeownership rate43.6%67.2%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher55.8%35.6%35.7%
Poverty rate17.4%11.3%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.4%3.9%5.2%
Work from home15.5%11.8%15.1%
Median age29.337.438.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Lawrence, KS?

The median gross rent in Lawrence, KS is $1,091 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Lawrence, KS?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $43,640 a year in gross income.

Is Lawrence, KS expensive to live in?

Rent there is 23% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.5 times the median household income.

Other cities in Kansas

Wichita, KSRent $975 · Income $64,620Overland Park, KSRent $1,515 · Income $104,834Kansas City, KSRent $1,123 · Income $62,401Olathe, KSRent $1,314 · Income $114,009Topeka, KSRent $979 · Income $56,956Shawnee, KSRent $1,322 · Income $109,940

Cities with a similar cost of living

Amarillo, TXRent $1,092 · Income $65,912Des Moines, IARent $1,090 · Income $65,932Oxford, MSRent $1,071 · Income $64,451Auburn, ALRent $1,098 · Income $63,668Yuma, AZRent $1,114 · Income $65,482Columbia, MORent $1,097 · Income $66,498

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Best AI Writing Tools for Marketers & Solo Founders (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.