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Manhattan, KS

Cost of living in Riley County, KS

Part of the Manhattan Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,512/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 71,710 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $813 32%
Healthcare $480 19%
Groceries $317 13%
Federal tax $309 12%
Transport $250 10%
Energy $193 8%
State tax $100 4%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Riley County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$808
per month
1 bedroom
$813
per month
2 bedroom
$995
per month
3 bedroom
$1,359
per month
4 bedroom
$1,671
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Riley County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$59,560
per year
Individual earnings
$28,938
per year
Per capita
$34,583
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Riley County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$231,200
Annual property tax
$3,317

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Riley 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 Riley County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.5%

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 Riley 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 Riley County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
15.9 min
Drive alone
64.3%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
10.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Riley County

What it costs to live in Riley County each month.

Single person
$2,512
per month
  • Rent $813
  • Energy $193
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $317
  • Transport $250
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $309
  • State tax $100
Couple
$3,916
per month
  • Rent $995
  • Energy $232
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $525
  • Transport $350
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $645
  • State tax $245
Family
$6,406
per month
  • Rent $1,359
  • Energy $290
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $797
  • Transport $450
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $645
  • State tax $245

Frequently asked questions about Riley County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Riley County?

In Riley County, KS, a one-bedroom apartment averages $813 per month, a two-bedroom averages $995 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,359 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Riley County?

In Riley County, KS, the average household income is $59,560 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $28,938 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Riley County?

The estimated cost of living in Riley County, KS is approximately $2,512 per month for a single person, $3,916 for a couple, $6,406 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Riley County?

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

Is Riley County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Riley County, KS would need approximately $2,512 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $59,560 per year ($4,963 per month). Riley County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Riley County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Riley County, KS is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.5% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Riley County?

The average home value in Riley County, KS is $231,200, with average annual property taxes of $3,317, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Riley County compare to other areas?

You can compare Riley County, KS with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Riley County is in the Manhattan, 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 Riley 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