Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Providence, RI (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Wichita is 34% cheaper than Providence.

$960/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 39%
$63,072/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 6%
$179,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 80%
$994/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 48%
396,488
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $3,700/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Providence — common questions

Is Wichita or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Providence?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Providence?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $3,700/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Rhode Island?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Providence details →

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