City Comparison
Manhattan vs Lenexa
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Manhattan scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Manhattan
Lenexa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Manhattan is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
32% lower than in Lenexa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Manhattan's average rent is
42% lower than Lenexa's.
| Metric | Manhattan | Lenexa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,890 | -42% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $300 | -40% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,020 | $2,960 | -32% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 111 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lenexa offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Manhattan delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Manhattan is estimated at
$50,000 vs $65,000 in Lenexa.
| Metric | Manhattan | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,657 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,053 idx | 52,844 idx |
| Household Income | $62,500 | $103,239 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
For sunshine, Manhattan comes out ahead with 20 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lenexa sees 2.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Manhattan | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 86.40°F | 86.10°F |
| Winter Low | 20.70°F | 22.20°F |
| Rainfall | 32.30 in | 42.60 in |
| Snowfall | 15.50 in | 18.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 286 | 266 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Manhattan has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Lenexa.
Lenexa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lenexa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Manhattan | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lenexa is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Manhattan.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Manhattan has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Manhattan | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 54,100 | 58,384 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.60% |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Manhattan
Advantages
Cost of living sits approximately 5% below the national average per recent cost-of-living indices.
Exceptional public safety ratings with crime rates well below state and national medians.
Proximity to Tuttle Creek Lake offers vast outdoor recreation, boating, and hiking opportunities.
Vibrant arts, cultural events, and Division I Big 12 collegiate athletics anchored by K-State.
High educational attainment levels and strong local public school performance.
Drawbacks
Rental market can experience tight inventories and higher prices near the university campus.
Local economy is heavily reliant on the university and military base, creating vulnerability to state/federal budget shifts.
Limited commercial flight options out of Manhattan Regional Airport require driving to Kansas City for major travel.
Humid continental climate brings notably cold winter extremes and occasional severe spring weather.
Public transit options are somewhat limited outside of core fixed-route bus services.
Lenexa
Advantages
Low crime rates, with violent crimes significantly below the national average, contributing to a high safety score.
High livability score of 86 out of 100, attributed to excellent amenities, low crime, and convenient access to services.
Strong economy with a robust job market and a low unemployment rate, offering ample opportunities in various sectors.
Short average commute times, around 19.4 minutes, allowing residents more personal time.
High educational attainment, with nearly 97% of residents holding a high school diploma and nearly 57% a bachelor's degree or higher.
Drawbacks
Higher cost of housing compared to national and state averages, making homeownership a significant investment.
Car dependency is high, as public transit and walkability scores are moderate, indicating personal vehicles are the primary mode of transport.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan areas, which may be a drawback for some residents.
Weather can present challenges, with distinct seasons including warm, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall.
Traffic congestion can occur, although the Kansas City metro area is noted for being relatively less congested compared to other large metros.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Manhattan
#170Kansas, USA
64.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
286/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
77
Business
70
Lenexa
#312Kansas, USA
60.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,890
Avg Salary
$58,657
Cost Index
111
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
86
Business
68
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