Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Durham, NC (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Wichita is 38% cheaper than Durham.

$960/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 47%
$63,072/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 26%
$179,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 98%
$994/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 44%
396,488
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $16,162/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Durham — common questions

Is Wichita or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Durham?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Durham?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $16,162/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and North Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Durham details →

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