Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs College Station, TX (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Wichita is 29% cheaper than College Station.

$960/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 22%
$63,072/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 18%
$179,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 82%
$994/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 26%
396,488
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $11,296/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs College Station — common questions

Is Wichita or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and College Station?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or College Station?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $11,296/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and College Station

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette