Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Wichita is 46% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$960/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 62%
$63,072/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 29%
$179,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 142%
$994/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 65%
396,488
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $18,017/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Wichita or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $18,017/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Michigan?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Ann Arbor details →

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