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Small Town, Big Savings: The Cost of Living in Smith County, Kansas vs. Big Cities

  • Writer: Choose Smith County
    Choose Smith County
  • Jun 26
  • 4 min read

If you're craving more breathing room—both in your home and your budget—there’s something special about life in Smith County, Kansas.


Nestled in the heart of North Central Kansas, Smith County offers the kind of affordability that seems impossible in big cities. Whether you're considering a move for family, remote work, retirement, or simply a lifestyle shift, here’s how Smith County stacks up when it comes to cost of living.


money in a jar symbolizing cost of living
In Smith County, your dollar goes further—on housing, healthcare, taxes, and time.

Housing: A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Budget

In Smith County, you'll find more than just a house, you'll find a home in a close-knit neighborhood where front porches and tree lined streets invite connection. Here, neighbors know your name and the peaceful charm of small-town living creates a sense of belonging.


Here's the stats:

  • Smith County median home value: $84,600 (Census, 2023)

  • U.S. median home value: $436,800 (Zillow, Q1 2025)

  • Kansas City: $250,000

  • Dallas, TX: $397,900

  • Denver, CO: $599,900

  • San Francisco, CA: $1,320,000


Looking to rent instead? Rent in Smith County averages $750-$1,250/month for a 3-bedroom home—a fraction of big city rent, which can exceed $2,500/month in major metros.

home for sale in smith county Kansas
Affordable housing is one of Smith County’s biggest advantages, with home prices and rent well below state and national averages.

From new builds to renovations, we’re here to help—and in small towns, word of mouth goes a long way. Here are a few connections to start with.


Utilities & Essentials: Everyday Savings

When every dollar counts, you start to evaluate everyday expenses like utlitlies. What you need to know:


  • Average monthly utilities (electric, water, heating, internet):

    • Smith County: ~$230

    • Kansas City: ~$290

    • Denver: ~$330

    • National average: $328

  • Gas prices:

    • Smith County (as of June 2025): $3.29/gallon

    • National average: $3.75/gallon


Groceries are about 7–10% cheaper than in cities like Dallas or Denver due to lower overhead and logistics costs.

The Main Street Mercantile in Lebanon, Kansas
Stretch your budget on everyday essentials at local spots like Gene's Heartland Foods.

Childcare, Healthcare, and Education: Family Is Top Priority

In Smith County, we believe a strong education is the foundation of a thriving community. Our schools are committed to nurturing the next generation, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in both academics and life.


From early childhood through high school, Smith County offers a range of educational opportunities that prioritize quality instruction, individual attention, and community involvement.


  • Childcare (full-time infant care):

    • Smith County: ~$700/month

    • Kansas average: ~$760/month

    • Dallas, TX: ~$1,250/month

    • Denver, CO: ~$1,450/month

  • Healthcare premiums (individual):

    • Smith County average: $395/month

    • Kansas City: $450/month

    • Dallas: $490/month

    • Denver: $515/month


Our public schools rank highly in student-teacher ratio (approx. 11:1), and the community is deeply invested in student success with strong extracurricular and agricultural programs.

Smith County offers strong, community-supported schools with small class sizes and a focus on student success
Smith County offers strong, community-supported schools with small class sizes and a focus on student success.

Taxes & Insurance: Where does Smith County Rank?

When it comes to homeownership and daily expenses, taxes and insurance can quietly take a big bite out of your budget—but not in Smith County.


With lower property values, fewer traffic incidents, and reduced risk factors, rural Kansans enjoy significantly lower property taxes and car insurance premiums compared to metro areas like Kansas City. And while healthcare premiums are rising nationwide, plans in Smith County remain more affordable than their big-city counterparts—all without sacrificing access to quality care.


  • Property tax rate:

    • Smith County: 1.29% (below the national average of 1.38%)

    • Kansas City: 1.59%

    • Texas: 1.60%

    • California: 0.76% (but applied to MUCH higher home values)

  • Car insurance (monthly premium for full coverage):

    • Smith County: $85

    • Kansas City: $155

    • Dallas: $165

    • Denver: $180

  • Sales tax:

    • Smith County total: 8.5%

    • Kansas City: 9.12%

    • Dallas: 8.25%

    • Denver: 8.81%

    • San Francisco: 8.625%


Time is Money, Too

In big cities, it’s not just your wallet that takes a hit—your time does, too. The average commuter in Kansas City spends over 30 minutes each way in traffic. In Smith County? You’re home in 10 (if even that).


  • Average commute in Smith County: 10 minutes

  • National average commute: 27.6 minutes

  • Dallas/Denver average: 30–35 minutes

That adds up to hours saved every week—more time for your family, your hobbies, your sanity.

cars in a hospital parking lot
With average commutes under 10 minutes, life in Smith County means more time for what matters most.

So… What’s the Catch?

You won’t find a Trader Joe’s or a pro sports arena in walking distance. But you will find wide open skies, a tight-knit community, and more financial breathing room than you thought possible.


Smith County may be small in size, but when it comes to cost of living and quality of life—it’s a big win.


Thinking about making the move?


Visit. Stay for the weekend. Talk to a local. You might just find what you’ve been missing is already here.


Check out our Career page to learn more about job opportunities, relocation incentives, and what makes Smith County the perfect place to live and work.



 
 
 

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