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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Houston is 35% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,313/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 27%
$62,894/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,072/yr ≈ Same
$253,400 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 29%
$1,316/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 24%
2,300,419
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $178/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Wichita — common questions

Is Houston or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Wichita?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Wichita?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $178/year higher in Wichita.
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 Houston or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Wichita details →

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