Last update: Oct 2026 United States 117.2K

Cost of Living in Independence, KS

For one person, living costs in Independence, KS are estimated at $1,974 a month, including rent and utilities – 27% below the national average. Rent and utilities take just under half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Independence, KS

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Independence, KS actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,974 monthly including rent, or $1,069 excluding housing.

$1,974 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,922 with rent, or $1,832 without housing.

$2,922 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,870 including rent, or $2,596 for daily expenses alone.

$3,870 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.64 $19.64
$14.73 $14.73
$34.37 $34.37
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$74.6 $74.6
$55.7 $55.7
$124 $124
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.23 $11.23
$9.76 $9.76
$14.65 $14.65
Cappuccino
$5.17 $5.17
$3.88 $3.88
$7.76 $7.76
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.60 $2.60
$1.95 $1.95
$3.90 $3.90
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.05 $2.05
$1.54 $1.54
$3.08 $3.08
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.94 $5.94
$3.96 $3.96
$8.91 $8.91
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.46 $7.46
$6.06 $6.06
$10.10 $10.10
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.01 $1.01
$0.78 $0.78
$1.48 $1.48
White Bread (500g)
$3.51 $3.51
$2.18 $2.18
$5.65 $5.65
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.14 $4.14
$2.09 $2.09
$8.37 $8.37
Eggs
$4.26 $4.26
$2.14 $2.14
$7.15 $7.15
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.27 $12.27
$7.78 $7.78
$21.73 $21.73
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.48 $10.48
$6.06 $6.06
$20.27 $20.27
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.23 $17.23
$11.19 $11.19
$24.62 $24.62
Apples (1kg)
$5.15 $5.15
$2.73 $2.73
$9.08 $9.08
Banana (1kg)
$1.57 $1.57
$1.07 $1.07
$3.23 $3.23
Oranges (1kg)
$4.83 $4.83
$2.46 $2.46
$9.86 $9.86
Tomato (1kg)
$5.00 $5.00
$2.34 $2.34
$8.87 $8.87
Potato (1kg)
$2.42 $2.42
$1.27 $1.27
$5.21 $5.21
Onion (1kg)
$2.78 $2.78
$1.83 $1.83
$4.13 $4.13
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.16 $2.16
$1.51 $1.51
$3.02 $3.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.53 $2.53
$1.41 $1.41
$3.93 $3.93
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.32 $9.32
$8.39 $8.39
$12.12 $12.12
Wine (Bottle)
$14.76 $14.76
$9.84 $9.84
$23.61 $23.61
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.77 $1.77
$3.20 $3.20
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.30 $3.30
$1.87 $1.87
$5.89 $5.89
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.28 $2.28
$1.14 $1.14
$2.28 $2.28
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.34 $3.34
$3.23 $3.23
$5.39 $5.39
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.72 $1.72
$1.53 $1.53
$2.15 $2.15
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$25.62 $25.62
$21.46 $21.46
$29.89 $29.89
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.99 $0.99
$0.83 $0.83
$1.09 $1.09
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.5K $35.5K
$29.6K $29.6K
$36.7K $36.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.9K $25.9K
$25.4K $25.4K
$26.9K $26.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$203 $203
$140 $140
$357 $357
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$57.2 $57.2
$29.43 $29.43
$98.1 $98.1
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$71.2 $71.2
$50.9 $50.9
$102 $102
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.43 $41.43
$19.89 $19.89
$49.72 $49.72
Cinema Ticket
$13.73 $13.73
$11.77 $11.77
$19.62 $19.62
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,424 $1,424
$1,081 $1,081
$2,031 $2,031
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$22.3K $22.3K
$16.5K $16.5K
$28.6K $28.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.6 $52.6
$29.70 $29.70
$79.2 $79.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$46.65 $46.65
$28.31 $28.31
$73.6 $73.6
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$89.0 $89.0
$65.4 $65.4
$138 $138
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$116 $116
$76.4 $76.4
$183 $183
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,621 $1,621
$1,222 $1,222
$1,833 $1,833
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$702 $702
$606 $606
$799 $799
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,472 $2,472
$1,860 $1,860
$2,768 $2,768
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,071 $1,071
$1,020 $1,020
$1,122 $1,122
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,763 $2,763
$1,977 $1,977
$2,763 $2,763
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,454 $2,454
$1,977 $1,977
$2,454 $2,454
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,296 $5,296
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.57
6
7.58

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

Last update: October 13, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Independence, KS $1,974
Accommodation & Living
$702
Groceries & Markets
$397
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$332
Eating Out
$316
Clothing & Footwear
$137
Sport & Entertainment
$69
Getting Around
$21 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,621 for a central one-bedroom, or $702 outside the center. At 31% of the average salary ($5,296), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $5,296, while typical expenses reach $1,974. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $397 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $75.0 for two.

Cost Highlights

Independence, KS is more expensive than 65% globally but cheaper than 74% within North America.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
11:56 11:56 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
117,213
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Independence, KS Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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Mbps
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Independence, KS - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Independence compare in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Independence offers a slower pace with a practical cost profile. Real estate and rentals tend to be more affordable than large metro areas, while amenities like libraries, parks, and community events add value without the premium price tag. Local services, groceries, and dining strike a balanced middle ground – enough variety to avoid constant penny-pinching, yet you won't feel priced out of daily life. Cost of Living in Independence, KS, United States is a helpful frame for planning, especially if you’re comparing to coastal hubs or big-city centers. Tip: start with a conservative monthly plan and adjust as you settle in.
What does daily life look like in Independence, including housing search, food options, transport, coworking spaces, and errands?
Daily life in Independence centers on practical, walkable neighborhoods, usable amenities, and a slower pace. Housing options range from modest single-family homes to smaller apartment units, with listings easy to navigate via local boards and online portals. For food, you will find markets, diners, and casual restaurants that cover both quick meals and weekend cooking at home. Transportation tends to be car-centric, with options for bus routes or ride-shares limited but accessible. For Independence, KS, United States living cost, utilities and seasonal groceries tend to be predictable in budget planning. Tip: scout a few neighborhoods by visiting at different times of day.
How can you optimize your stay for quality of life and budget in Independence, ensuring you pick a good neighborhood and balance work and leisure?
Quality of life in Independence shines when you build a practical routine and choose a neighborhood that fits your pace. Start with a neighborhood walk during weekends to sense safety, services, and noise levels; downtown or mature residential zones each offer different rhythms. Budgeting helps: align housing with commuting needs, plan meals around local markets, and take advantage of public libraries and community centers for low-cost activities. Consider off-peak seasons for outdoor recreation and festivals to stretch time and money. Tip: set a simple routine for errands to minimize trips and save fuel.
Is Independence, KS expensive to live in?
Budget at least $1,974 per month to live in Independence, KS once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Independence, KS?
With 31% of the average paycheck going to rent, Independence, KS is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Can you save money on an average salary in Independence, KS?
At $5,296 take-home, most residents in Independence, KS can cover the $1,974 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,961 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Independence, KS?
Where you live in Independence, KS makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,621; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $702. Overall, the market runs from $702 to $1,621 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is food expensive in Independence, KS?
Independence, KS isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $397 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
How expensive is a gym membership in Independence, KS?
At around $41.43 monthly, gym costs in Independence, KS are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Independence, KS?
At $1,974 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Independence, KS. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Independence, KS a good city for expats?
Expats in Independence, KS benefit from fast internet, clean air, beach access, and the infrastructure supports international residents well. Housing, healthcare, and social life are all within reach at about $1,974 per month. A bit of research before arriving goes a long way.
Can you save money living in Independence, KS?
Monthly expenses in Independence, KS run around $1,974, so putting money aside takes more than $2,961 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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