Cost of Living in Oberlin, KS

With a cost of living index of 60, Oberlin, KS is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 40% cheaper than the national average and 11% below the Kansas state average of 72. Oberlin is a small community of 1,763 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Oberlin's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $750 (43% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $77,400 (75% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Oberlin is $47,813, which is 36% 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.

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.