Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Wichita is 27% cheaper than Norfolk.

$960/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 30%
$63,072/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 1%
$179,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 51%
$994/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 37%
396,488
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $945/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Wichita or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Norfolk?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Norfolk?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $945/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Virginia?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Norfolk details →

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