Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Wichita is 42% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$960/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 52%
$63,072/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 1%
$179,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 119%
$994/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 55%
396,488
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $802/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Wichita or Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $802/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New Jersey?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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