Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Wichita is 5% more expensive than Birmingham.

$960/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 9%
$63,072/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 30%
$179,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 23%
$994/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$991/mo ≈ Same
396,488
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $18,696/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Wichita or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Birmingham?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Birmingham?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $18,696/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Alabama?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Birmingham

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery