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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Wichita is 34% cheaper than Midland.

$960/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 47%
$63,072/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 45%
$179,500 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 66%
$994/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 48%
396,488
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $28,097/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Midland — common questions

Is Wichita or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Midland?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Midland?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $28,097/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Midland

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