Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Wichita is 65% cheaper than Aurora.

$960/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 83%
$63,072/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 34%
$179,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 148%
$994/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 77%
396,488
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $21,248/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Aurora — common questions

Is Wichita or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Aurora?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Aurora?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $21,248/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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