Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Chicago is 54% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,380/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 30%
$75,134/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 16%
$315,200 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 43%
$1,502/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 34%
2,707,648
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $12,062/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Wichita — common questions

Is Chicago or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Wichita?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Wichita?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $12,062/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Wichita details →

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