Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Memphis is 5% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,123/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 15%
$51,211/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↑ 23%
$157,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$179,500 ↑ 14%
$1,087/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 9%
629,063
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $11,861/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Wichita — common questions

Is Memphis or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Wichita?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Wichita?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $11,861/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Wichita details →

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