Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Norman, OK (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Wichita is 14% cheaper than Norman.

$960/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 11%
$63,072/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 3%
$179,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 33%
$994/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 13%
396,488
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $1,988/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Norman — common questions

Is Wichita or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Norman?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Norman?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $1,988/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Oklahoma?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Norman details →

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