City Comparison
Salina vs Lenexa
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Salina scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Salina
Lenexa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Salina is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
37% lower than in Lenexa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Salina's average rent is
51% lower than Lenexa's.
| Metric | Salina | Lenexa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $920 | $1,890 | -51% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $300 | -40% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,870 | $2,960 | -37% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 111 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Salina offers 12% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Salina delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Salina is estimated at
$36,792 vs $65,000 in Lenexa.
| Metric | Salina | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,745 | $58,657 |
| Salary Needed | $36,792 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,177 idx | 52,844 idx |
| Household Income | $61,783 | $103,239 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.4°F of each other.
For sunshine, Salina comes out ahead with 14 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lenexa sees 1.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Salina | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.30°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 88.10°F | 86.10°F |
| Winter Low | 20.50°F | 22.20°F |
| Rainfall | 26.10 in | 42.60 in |
| Snowfall | 16.20 in | 18.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 280 | 266 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Salina has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 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 | Salina | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 39.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lenexa is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Salina.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lenexa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Salina | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,307 | 58,384 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.60% |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Salina
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing costs significantly below the national average.
Diverse and robust economy with key industries in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.
Shorter than average commute times, with an average of 14.8 minutes.
Strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere.
Regional healthcare and educational hub for North Central Kansas.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation and low walkability scores.
Crime rates, particularly violent crime, are higher than the national average.
Limited entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities.
Population has shown a declining trend in recent years.
Property crime rate remains above the Kansas average.
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.
Salina
#129Kansas, USA
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$920
Avg Salary
$65,745
Cost Index
82
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
39.0/100
Sunny Days
280/yr
Avg Temp
57.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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