Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Wichita and Montgomery have a similar cost of living.

$960/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 10%
$63,072/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 12%
$179,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 17%
$994/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↑ 3%
396,488
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $7,385/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Wichita or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Montgomery?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Montgomery?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $7,385/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Alabama?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Montgomery details →

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