Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Wichita is 7% more expensive than Peoria.

$960/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$951/mo ≈ Same
$63,072/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 7%
$179,500 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 17%
$994/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 1%
396,488
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Peoria — common questions

Is Wichita or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Peoria?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Peoria?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Peoria

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo