Abilene, KS

Yes — everyday expenses in Abilene run about 28% below the US average (Cost Index: 72). Housing is especially affordable: the median home is valued around $136,000, compared to the $303,400 national median. Monthly rent is typically around $788, versus $1,348 nationally.

Start with housing. Typical monthly rent is $788, while local median household income is $56,592. That implies a rent-burden proxy of about 17% before utilities and other costs. For a specific job offer, filing status, or take-home pay scenario, use salary.city.

Kansas has a progressive state income tax with a top rate of 5.7%. The effective property tax rate is 1.41%. On a home worth $136,000, that translates to roughly $1,918 per year in property taxes. Sales tax (state + local) averages around 8.71% on everyday purchases.

The typical monthly rent in Abilene is around $788. That's roughly 42% lower than the $1,348 national median. For comparison, the median home value here is $136,000, so buyers should also factor in mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.

The median home in Abilene is valued at $136,000. With 20% down and a 6.5% mortgage rate, you'd be looking at roughly $688/month for principal and interest alone — before property taxes and insurance. About 75% of residents here own their homes.

Grocery prices in Abilene are about average compared to the rest of the US (index: 96, where 100 is the national average). Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) are below average (index: 88). Overall, these everyday costs shouldn't cause major surprises if you're moving from another similarly-sized US city.

Abilene is a small town with a population of about 6,449. The median age of residents is 43.7, skewing somewhat older — common in established suburban communities. The local poverty rate is 8.09%, near the national average of 12.4%.