Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Omaha is 23% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,150/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 17%
$72,708/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 13%
$230,100 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 22%
$1,249/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 20%
488,197
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $9,636/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Wichita — common questions

Is Omaha or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Wichita?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Wichita?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $9,636/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Kansas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Wichita details →

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