Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Wichita is 26% cheaper than Metairie.

$960/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 21%
$63,072/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 16%
$179,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 72%
$994/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 19%
396,488
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $10,184/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Metairie — common questions

Is Wichita or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Metairie?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Metairie?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,184/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Louisiana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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