Ottawa, KS

Very Low · 64

Kansas · Population 12,632 · Updated March 2026

$949
Median Rent / Month
$64,655
Median Income
$165,700
Median Home Value
$1,045
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Ottawa

17.6%
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

$11,388
Annual Rent
$3,685
State Income Tax
$2,336
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Ottawa is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 64 (where 100 equals the national median), Ottawa residents can expect to pay median rent of $949/month while earning a median household income of $64,655/year.

The median home value in Ottawa, KS is $165,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,045 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% 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 Ottawa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Ottawa

What is the cost of living in Ottawa, KS?
The cost of living index in Ottawa, KS is 64 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $949, median household income is $64,655/year, and the median home value is $165,700.
Is Ottawa, KS affordable?
Yes, Ottawa is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 64. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Ottawa, KS?
The median gross rent in Ottawa, KS is $949 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,388.
What is the median household income in Ottawa?
The median household income in Ottawa, KS is $64,655 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%.