Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Wichita is 20% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$960/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 20%
$63,072/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 3%
$179,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 44%
$994/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 12%
396,488
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $2,044/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Wichita or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $2,044/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Tennessee?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Chattanooga details →

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