Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Austin is 106% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,655/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 42%
$91,461/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 31%
$512,700 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 65%
$1,747/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 43%
967,862
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $28,389/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Wichita — common questions

Is Austin or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Wichita?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Wichita?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $28,389/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Wichita details →

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