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Lawrence, KS

Cost of living in Douglas County, KS

Part of the Lawrence Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,825/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 119,547 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $955 34%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $388 14%
Transport $320 11%
Groceries $317 11%
Energy $193 7%
State tax $122 4%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Douglas County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$846
per month
1 bedroom
$955
per month
2 bedroom
$1,138
per month
3 bedroom
$1,595
per month
4 bedroom
$1,911
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Douglas County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$68,756
per year
Individual earnings
$33,773
per year
Per capita
$39,321
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Douglas County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$281,600
Annual property tax
$3,508

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Douglas County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$136
per month · 15.1¢/kWh
Natural gas
$57
per month
Annual total
$2,316
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Douglas County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
7.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Douglas County

State and local tax rates for Kansas.

State income tax
5.7%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.5%
Combined sales tax
8.7%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Douglas County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.6 min
Drive alone
70.0%
Public transit
2.6%
Work from home
14.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Douglas County

What it costs to live in Douglas County each month.

Single person
$2,825
per month
  • Rent $955
  • Energy $193
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $317
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $388
  • State tax $122
Couple
$4,322
per month
  • Rent $1,138
  • Energy $232
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $525
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $795
  • State tax $288
Family
$6,905
per month
  • Rent $1,595
  • Energy $290
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $797
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $795
  • State tax $288

Frequently asked questions about Douglas County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Douglas County?

In Douglas County, KS, a one-bedroom apartment averages $955 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,138 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,595 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Douglas County?

In Douglas County, KS, the average household income is $68,756 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $33,773 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Douglas County?

The estimated cost of living in Douglas County, KS is approximately $2,825 per month for a single person, $4,322 for a couple, $6,905 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Douglas County?

The combined sales tax rate in Douglas County, KS is 8.70%, which includes the Kansas state rate of 6.50% plus an average local rate of 2.20%.

Is Douglas County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Douglas County, KS would need approximately $2,825 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $68,756 per year ($5,730 per month). Douglas County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Douglas County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Douglas County, KS is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Douglas County?

The average home value in Douglas County, KS is $281,600, with average annual property taxes of $3,508, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Douglas County compare to other areas?

You can compare Douglas County, KS with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Douglas County is in the Lawrence, KS metro area.

Other counties in Kansas

Browse the full list of counties in Kansas, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Kansas

Compare Douglas County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources