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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $921 (excluding rent), and $2,151 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,566 (excluding rent), and $4,578 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.84 $14.84

$7.91 $7.91

$31.66 $31.66

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$74.8 $74.8

$49.85 $49.85

$219 $219

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.13 $10.13

$9.12 $9.12

$12.82 $12.82

Cappuccino

$4.99 $4.99

$2.92 $2.92

$7.80 $7.80

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

$3.08 $3.08

$2.05 $2.05

$6.15 $6.15

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.51 $1.51

$3.53 $3.53

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.90 $4.90

$2.94 $2.94

$7.85 $7.85

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.02 $7.02

$5.01 $5.01

$12.03 $12.03

Milk (1 liter)

$0.86 $0.86

$0.70 $0.70

$1.36 $1.36

White Bread (500g)

$2.64 $2.64

$1.70 $1.70

$5.11 $5.11

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.46 $4.46

$2.01 $2.01

$6.78 $6.78

Eggs

$3.33 $3.33

$1.88 $1.88

$5.93 $5.93

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.55 $11.55

$6.58 $6.58

$26.35 $26.35

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.03 $11.03

$6.01 $6.01

$17.89 $17.89

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.37 $15.37

$9.78 $9.78

$19.55 $19.55

Apples (1kg)

$6.36 $6.36

$1.97 $1.97

$11.09 $11.09

Banana (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$0.87 $0.87

$4.56 $4.56

Oranges (1kg)

$4.91 $4.91

$1.97 $1.97

$8.85 $8.85

Tomato (1kg)

$3.63 $3.63

$2.34 $2.34

$6.01 $6.01

Potato (1kg)

$1.85 $1.85

$0.79 $0.79

$8.99 $8.99

Onion (1kg)

$2.71 $2.71

$1.43 $1.43

$6.47 $6.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.52 $1.52

$1.01 $1.01

$3.04 $3.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.94 $1.94

$4.88 $4.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.69 $7.69

$6.86 $6.86

$9.80 $9.80

Wine (Bottle)

$13.02 $13.02

$12.02 $12.02

$16.03 $16.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.72 $1.72

$1.69 $1.69

$2.08 $2.08

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.58 $1.58

$1.22 $1.22

$5.85 $5.85

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.48 $0.48

$0.96 $0.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.43 $25.43

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.97 $2.97

$2.93 $2.93

$4.96 $4.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.35 $1.35

$4.90 $4.90

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.76 $24.76

$34.50 $34.50

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.78 $0.78

$0.69 $0.69

$0.94 $0.94

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

$35.2K $35.2K

$24.7K $24.7K

$36.0K $36.0K

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

$26.6K $26.6K

$25.1K $25.1K

$30.1K $30.1K

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

$331 $331

$176 $176

$706 $706

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

$52.4 $52.4

$29.72 $29.72

$119 $119

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.0 $65.0

$50.2 $50.2

$100 $100

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.92 $44.92

$19.96 $19.96

$79.9 $79.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.78 $11.78

Cinema Ticket

$11.91 $11.91

$17.87 $17.87

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

$907 $907

$564 $564

$1,187 $1,187

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$25.1K $25.1K

$4,429 $4,429

$45.8K $45.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.1 $53.1

$29.81 $29.81

$104 $104

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.37 $35.37

$42.44 $42.44

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$94.0 $94.0

$44.54 $44.54

$198 $198

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$88.3 $88.3

$58.9 $58.9

$147 $147

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$966 $966

$865 $865

$1,526 $1,526

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$801 $801

$701 $701

$901 $901

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,598 $1,598

$1,218 $1,218

$2,435 $2,435

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,753 $1,753

$1,615 $1,615

$1,963 $1,963

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,399 $2,399

$2,074 $2,074

$3,257 $3,257

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,057 $2,057

$2,018 $2,018

$2,113 $2,113

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,834 $3,834

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.45

6.19

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

Last update: March 2, 2026

Lawrence, 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 Lawrence, KS - Frequently Asked Questions

Lawrence offers a balanced mix of value and lifestyle. You’ll find a range of housing options – from compact apartments near campus to quieter homes a short bike ride away – without the price spikes you see in bigger coastal cities. Groceries and casual dining stay approachable, and the university presence keeps cultural events and amenities accessible. Overall, the town rewards mid-range choices and a flexible schedule for seasonal activities. Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS, United States is generally reasonable if you target neighborhoods with good transit access and avoid the most tourist-heavy blocks. Tip: map out two or three neighborhoods and try a weekend routine in each before deciding.

Begin your housing hunt near campus or downtown to balance walkability with reasonable rents. Farmers markets, casual bistros, and local groceries offer varied options, and you can cook at home to manage overall costs. Transport leans practical: good bike lanes, a campus shuttle, and a reliable bus service make trips affordable. For errands, a compact downtown core reduces travel time. Lawrence, KS, United States living cost is generally predictable when you shop at local markets and join community events. Tip: set up a weekend-to-weekday test run to see how long errands actually take and which areas feel most convenient.

Quality of life hinges on neighborhood fit and a practical budgeting framework. Start by choosing a base with walking access to groceries and parks, then layer in inexpensive hobbies like outdoor concerts or library programs. Plan around seasons: summer brings patio dining and river trails; fall festivals and KU sports add energy; winter invites cozy cafés and indoor study spots. Using a simple monthly plan – rent, utilities, groceries, transit, and shared activities – keeps surprises minimal. Neighborhood vibes vary: Downtown and Oread offer nightlife and quick errands; East Lawrence leans eclectic and walkable; North Lawrence provides space and quiet. Tip: sign up for trial weeks in a couple of areas to feel the rhythm.