Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Wichita is 54% cheaper than Lakewood.

$960/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 82%
$63,072/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 36%
$179,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 205%
$994/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 74%
396,488
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $22,717/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Wichita or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Lakewood?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lakewood?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $22,717/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Lakewood

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield