City Comparison
Prairie Village vs Lenexa
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Prairie Village scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Prairie Village
Lenexa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Prairie Village is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Lenexa.
| Metric | Prairie Village | Lenexa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,890 | -5% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $300 | -40% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,760 | $2,960 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 125 | 111 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Prairie Village offers 33% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Prairie Village delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Prairie Village is estimated at
$65,000 vs $65,000 in Lenexa.
| Metric | Prairie Village | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $58,657 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,400 idx | 52,844 idx |
| Household Income | $113,530 | $103,239 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Prairie Village | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 86.10°F | 86.10°F |
| Winter Low | 22.20°F | 22.20°F |
| Rainfall | 42.60 in | 42.60 in |
| Snowfall | 18.00 in | 18.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | 266 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
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 | Prairie Village | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lenexa is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Prairie Village.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Prairie Village has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Prairie Village | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,900 | 58,384 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.14% | 1.60% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Prairie Village
Advantages
Median household income stands at $113,530, reflecting a prosperous and economically stable local population per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Crime rates are roughly 50% lower than the Kansas state average, providing an exceptionally secure residential environment per AreaVibes.
Over 72% of adult residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, creating an educated and intellectually engaged community per ACS data.
High homeownership rate of 77% with strong property value appreciation trends across established neighborhoods per Zillow and Census reports.
Proximity to premier shopping hubs like the Prairie Village Shops and Corinth Square offering vibrant local dining and retail options.
Drawbacks
Cost of living is approximately 25-30% higher than the national average, driven largely by elevated housing and property costs.
Heavy reliance on private automobiles with limited public transit options within the immediate municipal boundaries.
Competitive real estate market with rising home values that can create barriers to entry for first-time home buyers.
Modest inventory of multi-family rental housing within city limits, resulting in higher average monthly rent prices.
High property tax burdens associated with owning premium real estate in Johnson County.
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.
Prairie Village
#242Kansas, USA
62.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
125
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.14%
Unemployment
2.90%
Livability
85
Business
72
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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