Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Overland Park and Salina, Kansas. Using Kansas's 1.41% property tax rate and $2,900/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Salina is significantly more affordable than Overland Park, with homes priced 55% lower on average. That translates to $1,521/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Kansas, Salina offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
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 Salina saves you approximately $1,521/month ($18,252/year) compared to Overland Park, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Salina is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $175K versus $385K in Overland Park. That's $210K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $6K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Salina, compared to $13K in Overland Park. Kansas offers the KHRC First-Time Homebuyer program (Up to 4% DPA) which applies in both cities.
Salina has the better price-to-rent ratio at 17.2x versus 22.1x in Overland Park. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Salina is $850/month on a $175K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Overland Park (pop. 197,238) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Salina (pop. 46,994) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Salina, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.