Cost of Living

When calculating your annual budget, it is important to understand that the cost of living in Lawrence is relatively low to average compared to other areas of the United States.  However, when moving to a new area your expenses will be higher than you initially expect.  Because individuals vary in their personal tastes and needs, it is difficult to predict exact expenses.

If you are a J-1 scholar, you should have been told the funding requirement set to issue the Form DS-2019 is set at $1,000 per month, plus $350 per month per dependent.  These funding levels are set at the United States poverty guidelines.  Poverty guidelines are very, very low.  We strongly encourage everyone to have higher levels of funding.

You can learn more about the cost of living in Kansas by visiting the Kansas Department of Commerce».

The Economic Policy Institute has created a Family Budget Calculator».  This Family Budget Calculator measures the income a family needs in order to attain a secure yet modest standard of living.  The EPI argues that compared with the federal poverty line and Supplemental Measure, EPI's family budget calculator provides a more accurate and complete measure of economic safety in America.