Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Wichita is 21% cheaper than Lakeland.

$960/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 35%
$63,072/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 3%
$179,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 28%
$994/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 16%
396,488
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $2,125/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Wichita or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Lakeland?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lakeland?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $2,125/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Florida?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Lakeland

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon