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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Wichita is 25% cheaper than New Orleans.

$960/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 26%
$63,072/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 12%
$179,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 65%
$994/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 28%
396,488
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $7,733/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Wichita or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and New Orleans?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or New Orleans?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $7,733/year higher in Wichita.
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 New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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