Kansas vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$84,842
in Kansas
$82,327
in Texas
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Kansas | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 76.9 | 79.4 | -3% |
| Groceries | 95.9 | 95.3 | +1% |
| Utilities | 98.1 | 102.9 | -5% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 92.9 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 94.5 | 96.8 | -2% |
| Dining & Misc | 91.4 | 95.2 | -4% |
| Overall | 88.4 | 91.1 | -3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kansas | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $215,000 | $295,000 | $80,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,077/mo | $1,112/mo | $35 |
| Gas price | $2.96/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.25 |
| Electric bill | $99/mo | $87/mo | +$13 |
| Infant childcare | $9,105/yr | $10,706/yr | $1,601 |
Salary equivalent: Kansas → Texas
What a Kansas salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kansas | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,527 | $-1,527 |
| $75,000 | $77,291 | $-2,291 |
| $100,000 | $103,054 | $-3,054 |
| $150,000 | $154,581 | $-4,581 |
| $200,000 | $206,109 | $-6,109 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Texas is 3% more expensive than Kansas overall. Texas has an index of 91.1 vs 88.4 for Kansas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kansas or Texas?
Kansas is cheaper to live in. Texas is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $215,000 in Kansas vs $295,000 in Texas.
Is Kansas cheaper than Texas?
Yes, Kansas is 3% cheaper than Texas overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Texas more expensive than Kansas?
Yes, Texas is 3% more expensive than Kansas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in Kansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kansas, you would need approximately $103,054 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (88.4 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Kansas and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kansas. Median home prices are $215,000 in Kansas vs $295,000 in Texas — a $80,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,077/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Kansas vs Texas?
Utilities is 5% lower in Kansas (index 98.1 vs 102.9). Dining & Misc is 4% lower in Kansas (index 91.4 vs 95.2). Housing is 3% lower in Kansas (index 76.9 vs 79.4).
Is gas cheaper in Kansas or Texas?
Gas averages $2.96/gallon in Kansas and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.25 difference per gallon.
Kansas vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Kansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 88.4 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). Texas is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Kansas vs Texas paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Kansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kansas vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.