Cost of Living Comparison for Wichita, KS
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Wichita's cost of living index is 84 — 16% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Wichita Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Wichita stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Wichita, KS | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $185,000 | $420,800 | -56.0% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $695 | $1,713 | -59.4% |
| Median Household Income | $58,800 | $74,580 | -21.2% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.30% | 1.10% | +18.2% |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Wichita Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 650,000
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg Commute
- 20 min
- Median Age
- 34.8
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 22.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,405
Frequently Asked Questions — Wichita
What is the median home price in Wichita, KS?
The median home price in Wichita is $185,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Wichita?
Median monthly rent in Wichita is $695. That works out to $8,340/year, or 14% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Wichita affordable?
Wichita's cost of living index is 84 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $58,800/year and a median home price of $185,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.1x. Wichita remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Wichita?
The effective property tax rate in Wichita is 1.30% of assessed value. On the median home of $185,000, that's roughly $2,405/year ($200/month).