Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Wichita is 19% cheaper than Columbia.

$960/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 21%
$63,072/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 12%
$179,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 36%
$994/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 18%
396,488
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $7,419/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Columbia — common questions

Is Wichita or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Columbia?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Columbia?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $7,419/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and South Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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