Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Minneapolis is 37% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,329/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 28%
$80,269/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 21%
$345,600 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 48%
$1,513/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 34%
426,845
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.875%
Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $17,197/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Wichita — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Wichita?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Wichita?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $17,197/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Kansas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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