Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Wichita is 48% cheaper than Sparks.

$960/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 72%
$63,072/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 38%
$179,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 154%
$994/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 62%
396,488
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $23,907/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Sparks — common questions

Is Wichita or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Sparks?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Sparks?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $23,907/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Nevada?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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