Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Kent, WA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Wichita is 55% cheaper than Kent.

$960/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 91%
$63,072/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 43%
$179,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 199%
$994/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 93%
396,488
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $873/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $10,476/year.

Median household income is $27,344/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Kent — common questions

Is Wichita or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Kent?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $873/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Kent?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $27,344/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Washington?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Kent details →

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