Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Philadelphia is 31% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,323/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 27%
$60,698/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↑ 4%
$232,400 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 23%
$1,233/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 19%
1,582,432
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $2,374/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Wichita — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Wichita?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Wichita?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $2,374/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Kansas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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