Cost of Living in Garden City, KS

With a cost of living index of 76, Garden City, KS is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 24% cheaper than the national average and 5% above the Kansas state average of 72. With a population of 27,781, Garden City is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Garden City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $990 (25% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $186,200 (39% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Garden City is $72,511, which is 4% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Garden City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.4°F, with summers averaging 76°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 19 inches spread over roughly 70 days.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.