Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Wichita is 53% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$960/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 73%
$63,072/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 33%
$179,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 206%
$994/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 70%
396,488
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $20,526/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Wichita or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $20,526/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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