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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $742 (excluding rent), and $1,456 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,239 (excluding rent), and $3,372 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.66 $12.66

$9.11 $9.11

$25.32 $25.32

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$58.5 $58.5

$45.78 $45.78

$132 $132

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.47 $9.47

$8.09 $8.09

$12.8 $12.8

Cappuccino

$4.56 $4.56

$3.55 $3.55

$6.09 $6.09

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

$2.12 $2.12

$1.47 $1.47

$3.43 $3.43

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 $1.59

$1.03 $1.03

$2.57 $2.57

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.95 $4.95

$3.96 $3.96

$6.44 $6.44

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.09 $6.09

$4.06 $4.06

$10.14 $10.14

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.47 $0.47

$1.45 $1.45

White Bread (500g)

$3.05 $3.05

$1.61 $1.61

$5.38 $5.38

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2 $2

$9.08 $9.08

Eggs

$2.75 $2.75

$1.83 $1.83

$5.95 $5.95

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.28 $8.28

$18.01 $18.01

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.09 $11.09

$6.71 $6.71

$13.44 $13.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.14 $14.14

$6.14 $6.14

$17.57 $17.57

Apples (1kg)

$4.91 $4.91

$2.21 $2.21

$11.07 $11.07

Banana (1kg)

$1.14 $1.14

$1.07 $1.07

$4.31 $4.31

Oranges (1kg)

$2.81 $2.81

$2.78 $2.78

$11.23 $11.23

Tomato (1kg)

$2.85 $2.85

$2.22 $2.22

$6.67 $6.67

Potato (1kg)

$1.69 $1.69

$8.47 $8.47

Onion (1kg)

$2.7 $2.7

$1.8 $1.8

$4.29 $4.29

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.82 $1.82

$0.99 $0.99

$2.57 $2.57

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.23 $2.23

$0.98 $0.98

$2.95 $2.95

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.02 $10.02

$9.11 $9.11

$11.13 $11.13

Wine (Bottle)

$9.31 $9.31

$14.7 $14.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.73 $1.73

$1.11 $1.11

$2.79 $2.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.29 $3.29

$1.48 $1.48

$5.93 $5.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.57 $6.57

$4.87 $4.87

$7.79 $7.79

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.23 $1.23

$1.69 $1.69

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$34.5 $34.5

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)

$30.5K $30.5K

$23.4K $23.4K

$40.2K $40.2K

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

$25.2K $25.2K

$26.4K $26.4K

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

$111 $111

$49.78 $49.78

$348 $348

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

$50.6 $50.6

$43.76 $43.76

$76.3 $76.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$49.5 $49.5

$46.53 $46.53

$79.2 $79.2

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.77 $44.77

$17.41 $17.41

$49.74 $49.74

Cinema Ticket

$12.46 $12.46

$10.96 $10.96

$20.93 $20.93

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

$1,060 $1,060

$542 $542

$1,556 $1,556

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.4K $23.4K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.2K $27.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.48 $48.48

$24.74 $24.74

$88.1 $88.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$25.42 $25.42

$15.25 $15.25

$50.8 $50.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$87.4 $87.4

$50.9 $50.9

$138 $138

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$84.3 $84.3

$49.56 $49.56

$208 $208

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$621 $621

$546 $546

$695 $695

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$505 $505

$1,516 $1,516

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,116 $2,116

$2,015 $2,015

$3,023 $3,023

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,135 $1,135

$789 $789

$1,480 $1,480

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,253 $1,253

$1,170 $1,170

$1,332 $1,332

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,236 $1,236

$1,155 $1,155

$1,315 $1,315

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,383 $5,383

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: November 29, 2025

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.