Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Wichita is 12% more expensive than Jackson.

$960/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↑ 6%
$63,072/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 31%
$179,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 40%
$994/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 4%
396,488
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Jackson — common questions

Is Wichita or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Jackson?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Jackson?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Mississippi?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Jackson details →

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