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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Wichita is 7% more expensive than Rochester.

$960/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↑ 8%
$63,072/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 26%
$179,500 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 33%
$994/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↑ 2%
396,488
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $16,444/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $120,600 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, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Rochester?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Rochester?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,444/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New York?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Rochester details →

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