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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Wichita is 34% cheaper than Richmond.

$960/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 37%
$63,072/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,671/yr ≈ Same
$179,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$328,100 ↑ 83%
$994/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↑ 38%
396,488
Population
227,595

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $401/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Richmond — common questions

Is Wichita or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Richmond?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Richmond?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $401/year higher in Wichita.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Richmond

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