Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Salem, OR (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Wichita is 38% cheaper than Salem.

$960/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 38%
$63,072/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 14%
$179,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 113%
$994/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 45%
396,488
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $8,828/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Salem — common questions

Is Wichita or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Salem?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Salem?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $8,828/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Oregon?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Salem details →

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