ZC

Cost of Living in Hays, KS (67601)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$16.86 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$70,128 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$5,968 / mo2.0x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Hays (67601)

Planning a relocation to or managing a household budget in Hays, KS (67601) requires a clear understanding of baseline financial requirements. For a single adult, living comfortably in this area demands an estimated $2,922 per month in essential expenditures ($35,068.415 annually).

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $559 per month—just 19% of baseline expenses—Hays offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Kansas.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Hays (67601) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,922/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $70,128 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.86/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Hays increase to $5,968 per month ($71,616/year)—approximately 2.0x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $80,335, local wages provide a 2.29x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Transportation costs average $874/month (30% of budget), while essential healthcare premiums demand $471/month. Direct tax liabilities consume $459 monthly (16% of spending). Factoring state income tax brackets into compensation negotiations is recommended. Overall, living in Hays (67601) requires balancing real estate trends with local earnings.

Cost Comparison: Hays (67601) vs. Kansas Average

Direct monthly cost comparison for a single adult baseline against the statewide average across all KS counties.

Expense CategoryHays (67601)KS State AverageDifference
Housing & Rent$559/mo$556/mo+1%
Food & Groceries$263/mo$262/moEqual
Transportation$874/mo$951/mo-8%
Healthcare$471/mo$479/mo-2%
Direct Taxes$459/mo$479/mo-4%
Total Monthly Baseline$2,922/mo$3,024/mo-3%

* Statewide benchmarks are calculated from weighted county-level cost of living data across Kansas.

Is this cost data accurate for Hays (67601)?

Help our data science team continuously refine local cost indices.

Select Household Composition

Recalculate costs based on your family size

Total Monthly Cost$2,922Est. $35,068 / year
Housing / Rent$55919.1% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$263Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$80,335Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$559
Food$263
Transportation$874
Healthcare$471
Taxes$459
Affordability Calculator

Can you afford to live in Hays (67601)?

Enter your gross annual income to calculate your projected monthly surplus or deficit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Hays (67601)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Hays, KS (67601)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Hays (67601) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.86/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Hays (67601)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $70,128 to live comfortably in Hays (67601).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Hays (67601)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Hays (67601) are $5,968 per month ($71,616 per year).

Other Zip Codes in Ellis

Explore nearby living costs in adjacent communities