Rent vs Buy Calculator for Wichita, KS
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Wichita's price-to-rent ratio is 22.2 — generally favoring renting unless you plan to stay long-term. Median rent is $695/mo vs a $185,000 purchase price.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Wichita local data
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).