Cost of Living
When calculating your annual budget, it is important to understand that the cost of living in Lawrence, Kansas 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 $1,350 per month, plus $550 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. We recommend at least $2,000 per month for one person.
| Item, per month | Low Cost | Normal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rent, 1 bedroom | $600 | $750 |
| Health insurance, per person | $100 | $150 |
| Transporation | $100 | $250 |
| Utliites | $150 | $200 |
| Internet | $50 | $75 |
| Food | $300 | $400 |
You can learn more about the cost of living in Kansas by visiting the Kansas Department of Commerce».
We have put together some different scenarios to help you determine how much money you will need to live in Lawrence
