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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $824 (excluding rent), and $2,688 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,509 (excluding rent), and $4,852 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.94 $14.94

$11.96 $11.96

$39.85 $39.85

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$45.24 $45.24

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.88 $9.88

$8.40 $8.40

$10.66 $10.66

Cappuccino

$4.52 $4.52

$2.92 $2.92

$5.84 $5.84

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

$2.45 $2.45

$1.99 $1.99

$3.48 $3.48

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 $1.02

$2.14 $2.14

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.54 $3.54

$3.04 $3.04

$6.07 $6.07

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.42 $4.42

$7.37 $7.37

Milk (1 liter)

$0.93 $0.93

$0.82 $0.82

$1.36 $1.36

White Bread (500g)

$3.61 $3.61

$2.15 $2.15

$5.38 $5.38

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.29 $4.29

$2.14 $2.14

$6.43 $6.43

Eggs

$3.84 $3.84

$1.99 $1.99

$6.95 $6.95

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.49 $9.49

$7.57 $7.57

$12.96 $12.96

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.53 $7.53

$5.39 $5.39

$15.11 $15.11

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.70 $17.70

$13.11 $13.11

$21.42 $21.42

Apples (1kg)

$5.62 $5.62

$2.15 $2.15

$7.69 $7.69

Banana (1kg)

$1.63 $1.63

$0.98 $0.98

$4.44 $4.44

Oranges (1kg)

$5.15 $5.15

$1.46 $1.46

$6.77 $6.77

Tomato (1kg)

$4.52 $4.52

$1.95 $1.95

$6.57 $6.57

Potato (1kg)

$2.67 $2.67

$1.34 $1.34

$4.46 $4.46

Onion (1kg)

$2.69 $2.69

$1.98 $1.98

$3.35 $3.35

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.81 $1.81

$2.52 $2.52

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.85 $1.85

$1.29 $1.29

$3.08 $3.08

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.50 $9.50

$7.62 $7.62

$12.20 $12.20

Wine (Bottle)

$12.11 $12.11

$25.23 $25.23

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.20 $2.20

$1.72 $1.72

$2.84 $2.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.73 $3.73

$1.90 $1.90

$4.87 $4.87

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.27 $1.27

$2.03 $2.03

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.47 $2.47

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.54 $1.54

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$26.32 $26.32

$25.94 $25.94

$26.69 $26.69

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.73 $0.73

$0.98 $0.98

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

$27.7K $27.7K

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

$24.4K $24.4K

$23.1K $23.1K

$25.6K $25.6K

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

$324 $324

$172 $172

$580 $580

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

$55.5 $55.5

$40.24 $40.24

$75.4 $75.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$73.1 $73.1

$60.0 $60.0

$100 $100

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.69 $42.69

$17.37 $17.37

$49.64 $49.64

Cinema Ticket

$12.82 $12.82

$9.86 $9.86

$15.78 $15.78

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

$901 $901

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$16.1K $16.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.43 $46.43

$35.46 $35.46

$60.8 $60.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.65 $38.65

$11.97 $11.97

$99.8 $99.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$110 $110

$80.3 $80.3

$170 $170

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 $110

$79.9 $79.9

$150 $150

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,583 $1,583

$1,186 $1,186

$1,835 $1,835

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,345 $1,345

$994 $994

$1,490 $1,490

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,632 $2,632

$2,001 $2,001

$3,002 $3,002

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,221 $2,221

$1,699 $1,699

$2,499 $2,499

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,375 $2,375

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.52

6.8

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

Hays, 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 Hays, KS - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with large metro areas, Cost of Living in Hays, KS, United States tends to feel more approachable, with housing options that range from modest apartments to family homes and everyday expenses that are predictable. The town’s pace supports reliable utilities and convenient services. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the value comes from a steady cost structure, a friendly community that helps you settle in quickly. You’ll find it easy to balance work and downtime here, especially if you enjoy local dining, outdoor spaces, and short commutes. Tip: Map a few reliable neighborhoods near campus or town center to balance commute with access to services.

The Hays, KS, United States living cost tends to be steady, helping you plan groceries and utilities. Housing search centers on rental duplexes, modest apartments, and older homes within a reasonable radius of campus and downtown; leases are straightforward, and parking is generally easier than in larger cities. Food options include supermarkets, farmers markets in season, and casual eateries with local flavors. Transport is car-centric, though some bus routes exist and biking is feasible in many areas. For co-working, seek wifi-friendly cafes and small shared offices; errands are manageable in a compact town. Tip: Build a weekly routine that groups errands to minimize backtracking.

Quality of life here tends to hinge on balance between pace, access to basics, and outdoor options. A simple budgeting framework like needs, wants, and savings helps, along with tracking housing and energy costs indirectly through utilities and rent. Seasonality affects outdoor activity and energy use, so plan for summers and winters by choosing clothing, gear, and shelter accordingly. Neighborhood fit depends on your rhythm: downtown living offers walkability and cafes, while quieter east or west areas provide longer-term calm and space. You’ll notice a difference between a walkable core and a car-focused edge. Tip: Start with a simple monthly budget and test different neighborhoods to feel the vibe before committing to a long lease.