Hays, KS

Very Low · 67

Kansas · Population 21,078 · Updated March 2026

$890
Median Rent / Month
$56,861
Median Income
$220,100
Median Home Value
$1,014
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Hays

18.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Kansas

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.7%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.5%
Sales Tax
1.41%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$10,680
Annual Rent
$3,241
State Income Tax
$3,103
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Hays is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 67 (where 100 equals the national median), Hays residents can expect to pay median rent of $890/month while earning a median household income of $56,861/year.

The median home value in Hays, KS is $220,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,014 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Kansas has a moderate income tax rate of 5.7%. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 1.41% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Hays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Hays

What is the cost of living in Hays, KS?
The cost of living index in Hays, KS is 67 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $890, median household income is $56,861/year, and the median home value is $220,100.
Is Hays, KS affordable?
Yes, Hays is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 67. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Hays, KS?
The median gross rent in Hays, KS is $890 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $10,680.
What is the median household income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays, KS is $56,861 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Kansas?
Kansas has a top income tax rate of 5.7%, a sales tax of 6.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.41%.