Cost of Living in Salina, KS

With a cost of living index of 72, Salina, KS is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Kansas state average. With a population of 46,432, Salina 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 Salina's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $911 (31% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $164,500 (46% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Salina is $60,624, which is 19% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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.