5 Most Affordable Places to Live in Kansas in 2025
18 hours ago
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Kansas has plenty to offer its residents – from the beautiful prairies and expansive fields, to the state’s rich history and warm hospitality. If you’re considering living somewhere in Kansas then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. As of April, the median home sale price in Kansas is $278,600.
If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected a list of 5 of the most affordable places to live in Kansas – and they all have a median home sale price under $278,600. From Topeka to Wichita, find out which cities made the list.
#1: Topeka
Median home price: $160,995 Average sale price per square foot: $108 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $890 Median household income: $49,647 Nearest major metro: Kansas City (60 miles) Topeka, KS homes for sale Topeka, KS apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $160,995, Topeka comes in at number one on our list of most affordable places to live in Kansas. There are about 126,600 residents living in this mid-sized city. Living in Topeka, you can visit the Kansas State Capitol, discover the local history at Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden, explore the Combat Air Museum, and stroll through the Topeka Zoo where you can enjoy nature and see the animals.
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Deciding between renting or buying your next home?
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
The second city to make our list is Salina, home to about 45,800. The home prices in Salina are about 115K less than the state’s average, making it an awesome affordable option. Salina is located in the heart of Kansas, where you’ll find picturesque views of the plains region. The city’s charming downtown has several landmarks, including restaurants like The Cozy Inn and Martinelli’s Little Italy, museums like The Garage Automotive Museum, and venues like Theatre Salina. You can find plenty of parks in the area like Indian Rock Park, which has trails and scenic views of the Smoky Hill River.
#3: Wichita
Median home price: $223,500 Average sale price per square foot: $121 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $964 Median household income: $53,466 Nearest major metro: Topeka (140 miles) Wichita, KS homes for sale Wichita, KS apartments for rent
The median home sale price for our third city, Wichita, is $223,500 which is about $50K less than the median home sale price in Kansas. There are about 397,500 residents in the city, making it the largest city in the state. Make sure to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo, explore Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, discover the exhibits at the Museum of World Treasures, and enjoy a show or performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
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#4: Kansas City
Median home price: $225,000 Average sale price per square foot: $150 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $950 Median household income: $46,424 Nearest major metro: Kansas City, MO (4 miles) Kansas City, KS homes for sale Kansas City, KS apartments for rent
Taking the fourth spot on our list of affordable cities to live in Kansas is Kansas City. When living in this city of 156,600 people, you can visit the Kansas Speedway, shop at the Legends Outlets Kansas City, and enjoy a game or event at Children’s Mercy Park. You can also take a short drive over to Kansas City, MO, where you’ll find plenty to do and see as well.
#5: Manhattan
Median home price: $277,500 Average sale price per square foot: $121 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $985 Median household income: $46,424 Nearest major metro: Kansas City, MO (4 miles) Manhattan, KS homes for sale Manhattan, KS apartments for rent
Slightly more expensive than Kansas City is the city of Manhattan, the final city on our list. Home to 53,700 residents, Manhattan is a great alternative to Kansas City if you’re looking to be close by. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Manhattan. Make sure to see the animals at the Sunset Zoo or check out the Flint Hills Discovery Center. You can also visit the charming downtown area or stroll along the Kansas River.
Methodology: All cities must have over 40,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Kansas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during April 2025. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2025. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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