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Source With a cost of living staggeringly 13% lower than the U.S. average, this Midwestern state strikes an allure for anyone looking for a bustling area without breaking the bank. From terrific BBQ to a unique climate setting, low tax burden, and college cities that take their basketball pretty seriously, the Sunflower State has earned its fair share of praise. If you are like the next guy planning a move or visit to the state, let's help you find your place among the best cities in Kansas. Whether it's a buzzing metro area or a more relaxed spot you are looking for, there's a place for you in Kansas!
Quick Overview
- Wichita | Best Business City
- Lawrence | Showcases Rich Cultural History
- Topeka | Highly Industrious City
- Kansas City | Best Health Care Facilities
- Manhattan | Perfect College Town
- Overland Park | A High-Tech Industry City
- Olathe | Perfect for Job Seekers
1. Wichita
The Air Capital of the World. Living in Kansas' biggest city has its perks: diversity, plenty of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a rich history. While it's the largest city and houses over a quarter of a million residents, it's not crazy expensive to live here. Compared to the U.S. average, the cost of living here is 11% lower. However, for the average Kansans, some amenities might be more expensive than other areas in the state. Wichita has a strong entrepreneurial heritage; having founders like Dan and Frank Carney of Pizza Hut and Fred Koch of Koch Industries start here can inspire the locals. Moreover, there's a strong pro-aviation presence in the city. After all, top aviation giant companies like Learjet, Cessna, Bombardier, and Airbus Americas all have their base here. Plus, the local school, Wichita State University, offers a strong program in aviation for locals who might show interest.- Population: 396,192
- Average House Rent: $871
- Median Home Value: $195,400
- Median Household Income: $60,712
- Known For: Aviation Footprint, High Entrepreneurship
2. Lawrence
Home to the University of Kansas, Lawrence is another college town in the heart of the Sunflower State, booming with diversity. Within the city, you'll discover there's plenty of youthful exuberance evident across the neighborhoods. Being an area filled with students from different parts of the country, Lawrence is evidently diverse. However, the rich culture doesn't diminish; instead, it enriches the history of Lawrence for the locals. Living costs are 12% below the U.S. standard, and housing and transportation are affordable for a large percentage of residents, according to the moving company Lawrence City offers. The job market flourishes easily in the city, with the University being the largest employer of labor. Parks are in excess here, making it one of the best cities to live in Kansas for a relaxing time or stroll while in the city. For art lovers, galleries and museums on campus offer free access. Off-campus, you can catch parades, festivals, and other unique events.- Population: 95,794
- Average House Rent: $1,167
- Median Home Value: $297,900
- Median Household Income: $59,834
- Known For: Art Galleries, Museums, Diversity
3. Topeka
The capital city of Kansas is Topeka. Filled with civil rights and freedom fight history, the city gained its popularity for its famed court case against educational segregation in 1954. As the state's capital, Topeka has plenty of government-ish footprints; however, the city's economic and industrial scene is very active. There's a high focus on agriculture, food processing, and financial services catering to the needs of the locals. The cost of living here is 14% lower than the national average, making housing, transportation, food, and services affordable for locals. On the outdoor scene, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, green spaces, and notable places like the State Capitol to capture the attention of anyone here. If you are going to live here, you will have to get used to motorsports fans gathering at Heartland Park Topeka to cheer for the home team.- Population: 125,449
- Average House Rent: $895
- Median Home Value: $190,800
- Median Household Income: $54,052
- Known For: the Landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
4. Kansas City
Divided by the Missouri River from its sister city, Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas is the third most populated area in the Sunflower State. The city boasts of a large economy and job market pool coupled with its deep reach into the healthcare industry. Just like in previous cities, living here is 16% cheaper than in most other metros its size in the U.S. Top employers like General Motors' Fairfax Assembly & Stamping facility offer an average take-home salary of $50,000, so residents can live comfortably in the city. The vibrant crossroads of diversity perfectly blend with historic culture and urban dynamism. From several monuments to museums and a strong love for craft beer, these are a few of the many attractions for tourists in the city. The healthcare system in Kansas City is among the best in the state, with Saint Luke's and the University of Kansas health facilities playing a huge role in providing care for the locals.- Population: 153,345
- Average House Rent: $1,055
- Median Home Value: $218,200
- Median Household Income: $56,120
- Known For: Top-Quality Healthcare Facilities, Sharing A Name with its Sister City in Missouri
5. Manhattan
Moving over to the Flint Hills region of the Sunflower State lies one of the best cities to visit in Kansas. If you're hoping to live in a place where friendliness meets with diversity in Kansas, you might want to stop by Manhattan. As the home of Kansas State University, Manhattan is a happy college town filled with easy-to-relate neighbors and locals. The city has plenty of excellent schools and is usually considered one of the best cities in Kansas to raise a family. The cost of living in the Little Apple is pretty affordable at 17% lower than the national average. What is the safest city in Kansas? For a city with thousands of students and plenty of diversity, crime is not really much of a concern here—it's averagely safe. As part of the hill region, you can expect to get stunning views and scenery all over. For instance, the 8,400-acre Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Preserve joins this area in bringing out the true beauty it has.- Population: 53,829
- Average House Rent: $959
- Median Home Value: $285,200
- Median Household Income: $55,316
- Known For: Expertise in Agriculture and Bioscience, Excellent Schools
6. Olathe
With just 30 and 40 minutes separating this area from Kansas City and Lawrence, Olathe is a perfect bridge ground in Johnson County. It's one of the best cities in Kansas, and for good reasons: it has kind residents, beautiful parks, and a wide variety of amenities. As one of the cities with a medical facility leading in spine surgery, it spells good for those looking for a place with high-quality healthcare. Other prominent industry sectors in the city include information technology, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. The city doesn't have a high demanding living cost; expenses are 2.6% lower than the U.S. average. Plus, the Job market scene is robust, promoting the locals' entrepreneurial spirit. For shoppers and those who love the fine dining of restaurants, the city's historic downtown showcases stunning boutiques and delightful eateries that make the area even more appealing.- Population: 145,616
- Average House Rent: $1,272
- Median Home Value: $460,000
- Median Household Income: $108,077
- Known For: Economy Job Support System (GrowOlathe), Stunning Parks, Excellent Schools
7. Overland Park
A mix of suburban living and big-city amenities is what you get when you are the gateway town to Kansas City. Overland Park is a place where your taste buds truly get the excitement they deserve in Kansas, from tasty barbecues to amazing restaurant menus and fine breweries. Overland Park has a tech-dominating atmosphere, with large companies like T-Mobile, UnitedHealth Group, Netsmart Technologies, and Sprint having roots here. The finance and healthcare sectors aren't left out either, as footprints of expertise also tend to showcase themselves. Living costs in the city aren't above what the locals can afford. In fact, it's 12% cheaper to reside here than in most U.S. cities of its size. Aside from the affordability, the locals enjoy the comfort of having top-notch schools in its neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a thriving economic scene. For outdoor lovers, the city has avenues for many recreational activities and fields for sports youngsters to play. Live music, festivals, and gallery visits are some of the shared moments among the residents, and they are valued experiences in the city.- Population: 197,726
- Average House Rent: $1,410
- Median Home Value: $415,600
- Median Household Income: $100,876
- Known For: Tech Industry Giants, Plenty Parks and Fields
