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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Wichita is 30% cheaper than Arlington.

$960/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 45%
$63,072/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 17%
$179,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 54%
$994/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 43%
396,488
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $10,447/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Arlington — common questions

Is Wichita or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Arlington?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Arlington?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $10,447/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Arlington details →