Cost of Living in Emporia, KS - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $817 (excluding rent), and $1,469 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,793 (excluding rent), and $3,282 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.46 $12.46

$8.96 $8.96

$24.93 $24.93

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$58.0 $58.0

$45.41 $45.41

$131 $131

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.63 $9.63

$8.23 $8.23

$13.03 $13.03

Cappuccino

$4.58 $4.58

$3.57 $3.57

$6.12 $6.12

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.51 $1.51

$3.53 $3.53

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 $1.52

$0.98 $0.98

$2.45 $2.45

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.12 $5.12

$4.09 $4.09

$6.65 $6.65

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.86 $5.86

$3.91 $3.91

$9.77 $9.77

Milk (1 liter)

$0.80 $0.80

$0.44 $0.44

$1.37 $1.37

White Bread (500g)

$3.18 $3.18

$1.68 $1.68

$5.60 $5.60

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.98 $1.98

$9.00 $9.00

Eggs

$2.85 $2.85

$1.89 $1.89

$6.17 $6.17

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.04 $8.04

$17.48 $17.48

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.71 $10.71

$6.48 $6.48

$12.98 $12.98

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.93 $13.93

$6.05 $6.05

$17.30 $17.30

Apples (1kg)

$4.99 $4.99

$2.25 $2.25

$11.25 $11.25

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 $1.18

$1.11 $1.11

$4.46 $4.46

Oranges (1kg)

$2.70 $2.70

$2.67 $2.67

$10.79 $10.79

Tomato (1kg)

$2.84 $2.84

$2.21 $2.21

$6.65 $6.65

Potato (1kg)

$1.68 $1.68

$8.44 $8.44

Onion (1kg)

$2.75 $2.75

$1.83 $1.83

$4.37 $4.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.82 $1.82

$0.99 $0.99

$2.57 $2.57

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.33 $2.33

$1.03 $1.03

$3.09 $3.09

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.85 $9.85

$8.96 $8.96

$10.95 $10.95

Wine (Bottle)

$9.57 $9.57

$25.17 $25.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.80 $1.80

$1.16 $1.16

$2.90 $2.90

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.23 $3.23

$1.46 $1.46

$5.82 $5.82

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.27 $1.27

$2.02 $2.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.80 $6.80

$5.04 $5.04

$8.06 $8.06

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.26 $1.26

$1.74 $1.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$34.39 $34.39

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.73 $0.73

$0.95 $0.95

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.9K $30.9K

$23.7K $23.7K

$40.6K $40.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.9K $24.9K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$112 $112

$50.4 $50.4

$353 $353

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.4 $50.4

$43.62 $43.62

$76.1 $76.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$49.07 $49.07

$46.13 $46.13

$78.5 $78.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$45.69 $45.69

$17.77 $17.77

$50.8 $50.8

Cinema Ticket

$12.36 $12.36

$10.87 $10.87

$20.76 $20.76

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,064 $1,064

$543 $543

$1,561 $1,561

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.3K $27.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.50 $48.50

$24.75 $24.75

$88.1 $88.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$24.70 $24.70

$14.82 $14.82

$49.41 $49.41

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.6 $86.6

$50.5 $50.5

$136 $136

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$83.3 $83.3

$49.02 $49.02

$206 $206

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$618 $618

$544 $544

$693 $693

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$494 $494

$1,482 $1,482

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,096 $2,096

$1,997 $1,997

$2,995 $2,995

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,169 $1,169

$813 $813

$1,525 $1,525

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,239 $1,239

$1,158 $1,158

$1,318 $1,318

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,262 $1,262

$1,179 $1,179

$1,341 $1,341

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,532 $5,532

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.54

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 1, 2026

Emporia, KS Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Emporia, KS - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Emporia, KS, United States offers a balanced value for a smaller Midwest town with a college-town rhythm. You’ll find a mix of housing – from older, sturdy homes to contemporary apartments – typically more affordable than larger metro areas. Groceries, utilities, and everyday services tend to keep a steady, predictable pace without the price spikes you might see elsewhere. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the town’s café culture, reliable Wi‑Fi spots, and walkable streets help you establish a routine without overspending. Seasonal events and a compact downtown make it easy to explore on a modest budget while staying connected. Tip: map out a weekly plan for housing, food, and transport to stay on track.

Daily life centers on a small-city cadence. In housing, you’ll find options near campus, the historic downtown, and quieter residential pockets; start with listings that emphasize walkability and parking options. Food choices range from grocery stores to farmers markets and casual eateries that won’t overwhelm a budget. For transport, a car is common, but you’ll also enjoy bike-friendly streets and a compact downtown you can navigate on foot. Co-working spaces and libraries provide work-friendly havens when you need a change of scenery. Emporia, KS, United States living cost blends affordability with a steady pace that suits long stays, study breaks, or short gigs. Tip: set a weekly errand route to cut trips.

Quality of life hinges on fit and rhythm. A simple budgeting framework – like a practical needs-versus-wants split or a flexible 50/30/20 approach – helps you balance housing, food, and exploration. Seasonality affects what you buy: summer farmers markets and winter cozy meals reward planning; outdoor amenities and local events shine in milder months. To choose a neighborhood, weigh walkability, proximity to work or studies, and safety at night; downtown offers energy, while residential pockets near parks feel quieter. Tip: test a few weekend itineraries to see where you feel most productive and at ease.