Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Wichita is 21% cheaper than Lexington.

$960/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↑ 15%
$63,072/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 7%
$179,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 52%
$994/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↑ 17%
396,488
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $4,559/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lexington — common questions

Is Wichita or Lexington 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 Lexington?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lexington?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $4,559/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Kentucky?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lexington details →

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