Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Billings, MT (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Wichita is 24% cheaper than Billings.

$960/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 14%
$63,072/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 14%
$179,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 74%
$994/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 18%
396,488
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $8,783/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Billings — common questions

Is Wichita or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Billings?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Billings?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $8,783/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Montana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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