City Comparison
Shawnee vs Lenexa
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shawnee
Lenexa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Shawnee is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Lenexa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shawnee's average rent is
23% lower than Lenexa's.
| Metric | Shawnee | Lenexa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,890 | -23% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $300 | -42% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,400 | $2,960 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 111 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 33% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Shawnee is estimated at
$58,000 vs $65,000 in Lenexa.
| Metric | Shawnee | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $58,657 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 79,592 idx | 52,844 idx |
| Household Income | $95,400 | $103,239 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Lenexa sees 0.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shawnee | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 86.30°F | 86.10°F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | 22.20°F |
| Rainfall | 42.80 in | 42.60 in |
| Snowfall | 17.70 in | 18.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | 266 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Lenexa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Shawnee.
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 | Shawnee | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shawnee is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Lenexa.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shawnee | Lenexa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 67,311 | 58,384 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.60% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
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.
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
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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