Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Wichita is 30% cheaper than Rochester.

$960/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 37%
$63,072/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 39%
$179,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 60%
$994/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 34%
396,488
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $24,695/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Rochester — common questions

Is Wichita or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Rochester?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Rochester?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $24,695/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Minnesota?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Rochester details →

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