The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Manhattan, KS

A hard look at what a $100,000 nominal salary actually provides in Manhattan, Kansas. This ignores lifestyle inflation and focuses on raw purchasing power.

1. The Verification Test

Your gross pay is not what hits your bank account. Here is the immediate reduction based on 2024 tax brackets (Single Filer, Standard Deduction).

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: ~$14,053
• FICA (7.65%): ~$7,650
• Kansas State Tax: ~$5,200 (Est. 5.2% marginal rate on taxable income)
• Net Pay (Annual): ~$73,097
• Net Pay (Monthly): ~$6,091

Note: Kansas requires state income tax returns. Unlike Texas or Florida, you are paying a premium to reside here.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Based on your monthly net of $6,091, here is the allocation using the standard rule.

Needs (50%): $3,045

• Rent (1BR Average): $817
• Utilities/Internet: $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car/Health Insurance: $400
• Remaining for Needs: $1,228 (Plenty of buffer for gas or debt payments).

Wants (30%): $1,827

• This is highly disposable income. You can afford dining out, entertainment, and travel well above the local average.

Savings (20%): $1,218

• $1,218/month remaining after all expenses. This builds wealth slowly. To max out a 401k ($23,000 limit), you would need to contribute $1,916/month, which consumes 31% of your Net Pay.

3. Manhattan Tax Context

Kansas is a High-Tax State relative to the region.

• Vs. No Tax (FL/TX): In Texas or Florida, your annual Net Pay would be approx. $78,500. You lose $5,400/year (roughly $450/month) living in Manhattan, KS, purely due to state income tax.
• Vs. High Tax (CA/NY): You save approx. $4,000 - $6,000/year compared to California or New York City incomes.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It is significantly above the area median. However, due to the low cost of living, the feeling of wealth is high, but the rate of wealth accumulation is dampened by state tax and average Midwest wage growth.

"Local income tax?"
Manhattan (city) does not levy a separate city income tax. You pay the standard Kansas state rate + County taxes (Riley/Pottawatomie), which are negligible for this bracket.