Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Wichita is 45% cheaper than Lowell.

$960/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 67%
$63,072/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 21%
$179,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 120%
$994/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 68%
396,488
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $13,133/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lowell — common questions

Is Wichita or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Lowell?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lowell?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,133/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Massachusetts?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lowell details →

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