Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Raleigh is 69% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,468/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 35%
$82,424/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 23%
$377,800 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 52%
$1,487/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 33%
470,763
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $19,352/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Wichita — common questions

Is Raleigh or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Wichita?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Wichita?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $19,352/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Wichita details →

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