Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Akron, OH (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Wichita is 18% more expensive than Akron.

$960/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 3%
$63,072/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 23%
$179,500 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 38%
$994/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 9%
396,488
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,528/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Akron — common questions

Is Wichita or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Akron?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Akron?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $14,528/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Ohio?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Akron details →

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