The town of Lawrence, Kansas, is full of life and brimming with activity thanks to its interesting past, thriving community, and abundant entertainment options. In the event that you are contemplating moving there, you are probably curious about the cost of living in Lawrence, Kansas.
You need to have a clear idea of what the moving process entails before you even consider hiring movers in Lawrence, Kansas. The cost of accommodation, transportation, healthcare, childcare, education, food, recreational activities, and utility services will all be included in this guide that we provide. You will also gain an understanding of what to anticipate in terms of Lawrence’s income, salary, and taxation.
The Cost of Living Lawrence
It is widely recognized that the cost of living in Lawrence, Kansas, is lower than the average cost of living in the country but higher than the average cost of living in the state; however, particular data might differ depending on the source. According to an index that takes the national average of 100 as its point of departure, the cost of living in Lawrence, Kansas, is roughly $95, whereas the cost of living in the state of Kansas is approximately $83 on average. According to one more source, the cost of living in Lawrence, Kansas, is 10% lower than the average for the rest of the United States. This site discussed a variety of themes, the five most important of which were housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy.
What is the minimum amount of money required each month for four individuals to live comfortably in Lawrence? If I had to guess, I’d say somewhere around four thousand dollars. According to one estimation, the typical cost of living for a single adult per month is around $2000. When factoring in the costs for housing, transportation, daycare, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities, an adult living alone in Lawrence may spend anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 annually.
Is Lawrence, KS Affordable?
Compared to the national average, Lawrence is a relatively affordable place to live. According to most cost of living indexes:
- Lawrence Cost of Living Index: ~95 (national average = 100)
- Kansas State Average: ~83
This means that while Lawrence is slightly more expensive than the Kansas average, it’s still below the national cost threshold, especially appealing for students, professionals, and families.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
- Single Adult: $2,000/month
- Family of Four: $4,000/month
Total annual expenses can range between $20,000 and $40,000 depending on household size and lifestyle.
Housing Costs in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence’s housing market is one of the most defining factors in its cost of living.
Renting in Lawrence
Lawrence is a college town, home to the University of Kansas, so rental options are abundant:
- 1-Bedroom Downtown: ~$800/month
- 1-Bedroom Outside Downtown: ~$700/month
- 3-Bedroom Downtown: ~$1,300/month
- 3-Bedroom Suburbs: ~$1,000/month
Renting is ideal for students and newcomers. Over half the population in Lawrence are renters.
Buying a Home
- Median Home Price: ~$250,000
- Down Payment + Closing Costs: 15% to 20% of the sale price
Keep in mind, owning a home comes with ongoing costs such as:
- Utilities
- Property Taxes
- Home Insurance
- Repairs & Maintenance
Transportation in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence offers affordable and efficient transportation, ideal for commuters and students alike.
- Commute Time: ~20 minutes (U.S. average is ~27 minutes)
- Gas Price: ~$2.50/gallon
- Public Bus Fare: $2/trip; monthly passes ~$30
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft available
Bonus: Active Transit
Lawrence is developing the 22-mile paved Lawrence Loop for walking and biking, and the city is very pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.
Healthcare Costs in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence provides high-quality healthcare services at costs that are:
- Above the national average
- Below the Kansas state average
Common Expenses:
- Annual Healthcare Costs for Single Adult: ~$4,600
- Includes doctor visits, dental checkups, and hospital fees
Insurance premiums and deductibles are generally in line with national standards but can vary by plan.
Utilities in Lawrence, KS
Utility costs in Lawrence are moderate and depend on the size of the household.
Average Monthly Utility Costs:
- Electricity, Water, Garbage: ~$164/month
- Internet: ~$66/month
Compared to other U.S. cities, utilities in Lawrence are slightly below average.
Taxes in Lawrence, KS
Sales Tax
- Kansas State Rate: 6.5%
- Lawrence Local Rate: 1.55%
- Total Sales Tax: 9.05%
Income Tax
Kansas has a progressive income tax:
3.10%, 5.25%, and 5.70% brackets depending on income level
Property Tax
Homeowners in Lawrence pay property taxes, which vary based on location and property type. Kansas has no inheritance or estate tax.
Education and Childcare Costs
As a university city, Lawrence offers strong public education and affordable childcare options.
- Childcare: More affordable than national average
- Public Schools: High academic performance in Lawrence Public Schools
- Higher Education: University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University
Final Thoughts:
Lawrence offers the perfect blend of small-town atmosphere and big-city resources. With:
- Affordable housing options
- High-quality healthcare
- Short commutes
- Excellent educational institutions
- A vibrant arts and music scene
It’s easy to see why around 96,000 people call Lawrence home. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a retiree, this city has something for everyone. At Professional Moving & Storage, we know that relocating can be overwhelming especially when you’re trying to calculate living expenses and get settled. Our experienced Lawrence movers are here to make the transition as smooth as possible.