Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Boise, ID (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Wichita is 42% cheaper than Boise.

$960/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 42%
$63,072/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 29%
$179,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 154%
$994/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 35%
396,488
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $18,236/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Boise — common questions

Is Wichita or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Boise?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Boise?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $18,236/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Idaho?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Boise details →

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