RentData

Average Rent in Manhattan, KS Rents falling 1.4% YoY🔺 9th priciest in KS

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 133,413

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Manhattan, KS has rental prices ranging from $808/month to $1,671/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $813/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,096/year, spending $813/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Manhattan Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $995/month, Manhattan ranks #9 most expensive of the 96 cities tracked in Kansas — pricier than 64% of all US cities in our data.

The Manhattan Rental Market

The Manhattan, KS area has a population of about 133,413 and 49% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Manhattan, KS have fallen by $14/month (1.4%) over the past year, from $1,009 to $995. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, KS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,520. The local median household income of $64,096 exceeds that threshold by $31,576, making Manhattan relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Manhattan, KS is $295,272, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 24.7. With a break-even horizon of approximately 25 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$808
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$813
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$995
1.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,359
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,671
Average
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Median Home Value
$295,272
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,572/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Manhattan, KS Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$39,800/year
Local median income: $64,096
To buy a median home
$62,862/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $995/month and 20% down on a $295,272 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in KSlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Kansas City$1,074$1,183$1,346$1,756
Wichita$690$760$995$1,305
Topeka$747$752$985$1,280
Geary County$753$758$994$1,393
St. Joseph$710$789$1,035$1,315
Lawrence$846$955$1,138$1,595

Rent or Buy in Manhattan?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Manhattan data

$
Home Value
$295,272
2BR Rent
$995/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,572/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,174/movs rent: $995/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $295,272 home at 7% rate

20% — $59,054
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,572
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$236,218
Total Paid
$565,762
Total Interest
$329,544
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Manhattan

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Manhattan

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Manhattan

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Manhattan

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KS

See how Manhattan ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Manhattan

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋KS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections