Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Lawrence and Manhattan, Kansas. Using Kansas's 1.41% property tax rate and $2,900/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Manhattan edges out Lawrence in affordability, saving you roughly $72/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Kansas, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Kansas's 1.41% property tax rate.
Buying in Manhattan saves you approximately $72/month ($864/year) compared to Lawrence, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Manhattan is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $265K versus $275K in Lawrence. That's $10K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $9K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Manhattan, compared to $10K in Lawrence. Kansas offers the KHRC First-Time Homebuyer program (Up to 4% DPA) which applies in both cities.
Manhattan has the better price-to-rent ratio at 20.4x versus 20.5x in Lawrence. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Manhattan is $1,080/month on a $265K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Lawrence (pop. 94,934) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Manhattan (pop. 55,602) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Manhattan, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.