Cost of Living in Hays, KS

With a cost of living index of 76, Hays, 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. Hays is a smaller community of 21,078 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hays's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $890 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $220,100 (28% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.9x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Hays is $56,861, which is 24% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Hays. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.8°F, with summers averaging 78°F and winters around 32°F. Annual rainfall totals 24.8 inches spread over roughly 83 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.