Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Wichita is 35% cheaper than Newark.

$960/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 39%
$63,072/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 23%
$179,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 88%
$994/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 43%
396,488
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $14,656/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Newark — common questions

Is Wichita or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Newark?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Newark?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $14,656/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New Jersey?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Newark details →

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