Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Wichita is 13% cheaper than Lubbock.

$960/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 18%
$63,072/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 4%
$179,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$197,900 ↑ 10%
$994/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 19%
396,488
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $2,585/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Wichita or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Lubbock?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Lubbock?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $2,585/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Lubbock details →

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