Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Baltimore is 29% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,290/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 26%
$59,623/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↑ 6%
$219,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 18%
$1,333/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 25%
577,193
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $3,449/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Wichita — common questions

Is Baltimore or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Wichita?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Wichita?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $3,449/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Kansas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Wichita details →

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