Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Wichita is 16% cheaper than Lafayette.

$960/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 11%
$63,072/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 3%
$179,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 40%
$994/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 6%
396,488
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $1,618/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Wichita or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Lafayette?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lafayette?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,618/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Louisiana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lafayette details →

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