Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Portland is 112% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,596/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 40%
$88,792/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 29%
$557,600 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 68%
$1,771/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 44%
642,715
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $25,720/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Wichita — common questions

Is Portland or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Wichita?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Wichita?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $25,720/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Kansas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Wichita details →

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