Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Wichita is 16% cheaper than Lincoln.

$960/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↑ 9%
$63,072/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 11%
$179,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 38%
$994/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 15%
396,488
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $6,919/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Wichita or Lincoln 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 Lincoln?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lincoln?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $6,919/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Nebraska?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lincoln details →

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