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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Fort Worth is 49% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,412/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 32%
$76,602/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 18%
$277,300 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 35%
$1,489/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 33%
941,311
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $13,530/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Wichita — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Wichita?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Wichita?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $13,530/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Wichita details →

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