Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Wichita is 22% cheaper than Odessa.

$960/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 38%
$63,072/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 16%
$179,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 16%
$994/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 26%
396,488
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $9,958/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Odessa — common questions

Is Wichita or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Odessa?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Odessa?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $9,958/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Odessa

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham