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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Wichita is 18% cheaper than Allentown.

$960/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 32%
$63,072/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 15%
$179,500 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 5%
$994/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
396,488
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $9,669/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Allentown — common questions

Is Wichita or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Allentown?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Allentown?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $9,669/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Pennsylvania?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Allentown details →

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