Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Wichita is 8% cheaper than Abilene.

$960/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 15%
$63,072/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
$179,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$178,900 ≈ Same
$994/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 12%
396,488
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $352/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Abilene — common questions

Is Wichita or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Abilene?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Abilene?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $352/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Abilene

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland