Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Wichita is 17% cheaper than Huntsville.

$960/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↑ 12%
$63,072/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 12%
$179,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 47%
$994/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 5%
396,488
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $7,706/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Wichita or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Huntsville?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Huntsville?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $7,706/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Alabama?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Huntsville details →

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