Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Denver is 126% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,770/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 46%
$91,681/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 31%
$586,700 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 69%
$1,839/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 46%
713,734
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $28,609/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Wichita — common questions

Is Denver or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Wichita?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Wichita?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $28,609/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Wichita details →

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