Cost of Living in Preston, KS

With a cost of living index of 52, Preston, KS is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 48% cheaper than the national average and 20% below the Kansas state average of 72. Preston is a small community of 127 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Preston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $628 (52% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $21,900 (93% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 0.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Preston is $28,462, which is 62% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. 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.