Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Albuquerque is 23% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,085/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 12%
$65,604/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 4%
$266,700 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 33%
$1,149/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 13%
562,488
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $2,532/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Wichita — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Wichita?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Wichita?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $2,532/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Kansas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Wichita has a cost index of 65 with rent of $960/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Wichita details →

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