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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Wichita and McAllen have a similar cost of living.

$960/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 6%
$63,072/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 5%
$179,500 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 3%
$994/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$996/mo ≈ Same
396,488
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $2,907/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs McAllen — common questions

Is Wichita or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and McAllen?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or McAllen?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $2,907/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and McAllen

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