Kansas has a lot to offer to its residents, from beautiful prairies and vast fields to the rich history and warm hospitality of the state. If you’re considering living somewhere in Kansas, you could also be budgeting that you’d like to stay in searching for your home or apartment. As of April, the median home sales in Kansas were $278,600.
Even if that number is outside your budget, don’t worry, we have the option to help you find a home. Redfin has gathered a list of five most affordable locations to live in Kansas. They all have a median home selling price of less than $278,600. Find out which cities made the list, from Topeka to Wichita.
#1: Topeka
Median home price: $160,995
Average selling price per square foot: $108
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $890
Median household income: $49,647
Nearest Major Metro: Kansas City (60 miles)
Topeka, KS Holmes sales
Topeka, KS Apartment Rental
The median home selling price is $160,995, making Topeka number one on the list of the most affordable locations in Kansas. The medium-sized city has around 126,600 residents. You can visit the Kansas State Capitol, which lives in Topeka, discover local history at Wardmead’s historic grounds and the botanical garden Old Prairie Town, explore the Combat Air Museum, and stroll through Topeka Zoo where you can enjoy nature and see the animals.
#2: Salina
Median home price: $161,000
Average selling price per square foot: $104
Median household income: $56,945
Nearest Major Metro: Wichita (90 miles)
Salina, KS Home for Sale
KS Apartments Rental Salina
The second city to make the list is Salina, home to around 45,800. Home prices in Salina are around 115k less than the state average, making it a great, affordable option. Salina is located in the heart of Kansas and offers picturesque views of the Plains area. The charming downtown of the city is home to several landmarks, including cozy accommodations and restaurants such as Little Italy in Martinelli, museums such as Garage Automotive Museum, and venues such as Theater Salina. Areas like Indian Rock Park offer views of the Smoky Hill River.
#3: Wichita
Median home price: $223,500
Average selling price per square foot: $121
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $964
Median household income: $53,466
Nearest Major Metro: Topeka (140 miles)
Wichita, KS Holmes sales
KS Apartment Rental Wichita
The median home selling price in Wichita, the third city, is $223,500, about $50,000 less than the median home selling price in Kansas. The city has approximately 397,500 residents, making it the largest city in the state. Be sure to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo, explore the Botanica at Wichita Gardens, discover exhibits at the World’s Treasure Museum, and enjoy shows and performances at the Orphaum Theater.
#4: Kansas City
Median home price: $225,000
Average selling price per square foot: $150
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $950
Median household income: $46,424
Nearest Major Metro: Kansas City, Missouri (4 miles)
Kansas City, Kansas City sales
Kansas City, Kansas City apartments for rent
To win the fourth spot to live in Kansas on the list of affordable cities is Kansas City. When you live in this city of 156,600, you can visit Kansas Speedway, shop at Kansas City Legends, and enjoy games and events at your kids’ Mercy Park. You can also drive to Kansas City, Missouri.
#5: Manhattan
Median home price: $277,500
Average selling price per square foot: $121
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $985
Median household income: $46,424
Nearest Major Metro: Kansas City, Missouri (4 miles)
Manhattan, KS Holmes sales
KS Apartment Rental Manhattan
Slightly more expensive than Kansas City is Manhattan, the final city on our list. With 53,700 residents, Manhattan is a great alternative to Kansas City if you’re looking to be nearby. There are a few top attractions you’ll want to check out in Manhattan. See the animals at Sunset Zoo and check out the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Visit the charming downtown area and take a walk along the Kansas River.
Methodology: Every city must have more than 40,000 residents per US census and have a median home selling price under the average central home selling price in Kansas. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.
