Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Milwaukee and Wichita have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 7%
$51,888/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↑ 22%
$172,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$179,500 ↑ 4%
$1,082/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 8%
569,756
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $11,184/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Wichita — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Wichita?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Wichita?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $11,184/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Kansas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
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